are seldom seen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are seldom seen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rarely observed or encountered. Example: "These rare birds are seldom seen in this region, making them a special sight for birdwatchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most myriapods are seldom seen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They are seldom seen "in public".

Independent

Crazy sartorial experiments are seldom seen on these streets.

The Guardian

Uninhibited public shows of affection between men are seldom seen in Italy.

Independent

Because they are burrowers and live almost entirely underground, they are seldom seen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Contrary to lay opinion, stepwise plateaus of proficiency are seldom seen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(The bow ties, by the way, are seldom seen these days).

The New York Times

The last two are seldom seen in the United Kingdom or the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Actual living things are seldom seen; on this day, hikers see only a herd of goats.

The New York Times - Travel

He is serious, though, about the beach fees, which are seldom seen outside New Jersey.

The New York Times

Headscarves are seldom seen on the street, and chadors are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are seldom seen", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the context provides a reason for its infrequency. For instance, "nocturnal animals are seldom seen during the day" provides a clear subject and reason.

Common error

Avoid using "are seldom seen" when describing something that is merely uncommon, not genuinely rare. Overstating rarity can undermine the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are seldom seen" functions as a passive verb phrase. It describes a state where the subject is not frequently observed. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are seldom seen" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something is infrequently observed. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is versatile, appearing across diverse contexts from encyclopedias to news articles and scientific papers. When employing this phrase, ensure the subject's rarity is genuine and clearly contextualized. Alternative phrases like "are rarely observed" or "are infrequently spotted" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are rarely observed

Replaces "seldom" with "rarely", emphasizing the infrequency of observation.

are infrequently spotted

Substitutes "seldom seen" with "infrequently spotted", highlighting occasional sightings.

are not often visible

Uses a more descriptive phrase focusing on the lack of visibility.

are uncommonly encountered

Replaces "seen" with "encountered", stressing the rarity of meetings or experiences.

are scarcely detectable

Focuses on the difficulty of detecting or noticing something.

are hardly ever noticed

Emphasizes the lack of attention or recognition something receives.

are a rare sight

Shifts the focus to the visual aspect and the rarity of the occurrence.

are few and far between

An idiomatic expression indicating that occurrences are infrequent and widely spaced.

are thin on the ground

An idiomatic expression suggesting scarcity and limited presence.

are like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme rarity, comparing the subject to something that is practically nonexistent.

FAQs

How can I use "are seldom seen" in a sentence?

You can use "are seldom seen" to describe anything that is not frequently observed. For example, "Certain deep-sea creatures are seldom seen by humans".

What phrases are similar to "are seldom seen"?

Similar phrases include "are rarely observed", "are infrequently spotted", or "are not often visible". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "are seldom seen" or "are rarely seen"?

Both "are seldom seen" and "are rarely seen" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, though "rarely" might be slightly more common in contemporary usage.

What's the difference between "are seldom seen" and "are never seen"?

"Are seldom seen" implies infrequent observation, while "are never seen" suggests that something has not been observed at all. For example, "snow leopards are seldom seen" means they are hard to spot, whereas "unicorns are never seen" implies they do not exist.