are seldom worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are seldom worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe items, particularly clothing or accessories, that are not frequently used or put on. Example: "These extravagant costumes are seldom worn, reserved only for special occasions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Fashion and Textiles

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is possible that judgments made of people wearing ordinary everyday clothing do not always generalize to special dress like Halloween costumes which are seldom worn.

Fashion and Textiles

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

T-shirts were seldom worn alone because they were considered an undershirt.

WikiHow

In long, unsuccessful wars, in which the enemy — the people trying to kill you — do not wear uniforms and are seldom seen, soldiers can lose their bearings, moral and otherwise.

The New Yorker

The irony with this one is... we wear it, but... we are seldom alone!

Huffington Post

Even in dry climates where they are seldom used, the ultraviolet from sunshine breaks the rubber down, so never assume because you seldom use them they are not worn out.

WikiHow

Footballers are seldom sacked.

The Guardian - Sport

They are seldom separated.

The New York Times - Sports

Reasons are seldom given.

Independent

They are seldom welcome.

The Guardian

Calls are seldom returned.

The New York Times

"They are seldom disappointed".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing clothing or accessories, use "are seldom worn" to clearly convey that these items are not used frequently, reserving them for special occasions or specific contexts. This adds emphasis to their rarity or significance.

Common error

Avoid using "are seldom worn" when describing items that are never worn; instead, opt for phrases like "are never worn" or "are not worn at all" to accurately reflect the complete absence of usage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are seldom worn" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject receives the action of being worn infrequently. Ludwig AI's analysis suggests that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. The examples show its use in describing clothing or items that are not worn often.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Fashion and Textiles

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are seldom worn" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe items, primarily clothing, that are not frequently worn. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. The phrase has a neutral to slightly formal tone and appears in various contexts, including news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While not extremely common, it effectively conveys infrequency of use. Consider alternatives like "are rarely worn" or "are infrequently worn" for nuanced expression. This phrase adds a touch of sophistication when describing the rarity or special occasion nature of certain items. The analysis suggests it has diverse applications across different written and spoken styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are rarely worn

Emphasizes the infrequency of being worn, suggesting it happens very few times.

are infrequently worn

Highlights that wearing occurs at irregular or long intervals.

are not often worn

A straightforward way of stating that the item is not worn frequently.

are hardly ever worn

Implies that the occurrence of wearing is scarce and unusual.

are scarcely worn

Suggests that the item is worn very little and not frequently encountered.

are virtually never worn

Indicates an extremely low probability of the item being worn.

are almost never worn

Similar to 'virtually never', implying near non-existence of wearing.

are uncommonly worn

Highlights the unusual nature of the item being worn.

are occasionally worn

Suggests that wearing happens only at irregular times or instances.

are seldom used

Shifts the focus from wearing to general usage, implying low utilization.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are seldom worn" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "are infrequently worn", "are rarely worn", or "are uncommonly worn". These alternatives to "are seldom worn" /s/are+seldom+worn convey a similar meaning with a heightened level of sophistication.

What is the difference between "are seldom worn" and "are rarely worn"?

While both phrases indicate infrequent usage, "are rarely worn" might suggest an even lower frequency than "are seldom worn". The choice between them depends on the precise degree of infrequency you wish to convey. You could consider "are infrequently worn" as well.

Is it better to use "are seldom worn" or "are not often worn"?

"Are not often worn" is more straightforward and common in everyday language, while "are seldom worn" carries a slightly more formal or literary tone. Both phrases are correct, but the better choice depends on the context and desired style. Instead, consider alternatives like "are infrequently worn".

Can "are seldom worn" be used to describe things other than clothing?

Yes, while often used to describe garments or accessories, "are seldom worn" can be applied to anything that is used infrequently. For example, "These traditions are seldom observed" or "These skills are seldom practiced". You could also use "are rarely used" in these contexts.