as rare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as rare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the rarity of something to another item or situation, often in a simile or metaphorical context. Example: "Finding a four-leaf clover is as rare as winning the lottery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Grey hairs are as rare as neckties.

The Economist

Dunking is almost as rare as dragons.

The New York Times - Sports

Indium is about as rare as silver.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Chinchilla is almost as rare as Sable.

The New Yorker

"That's as rare as hen's teeth".

Independent

English Test leg-spinners are as rare as Java sparrows.

The Guardian - Sport

Tight finishes were as rare as a Duncan Fletcher smile.

The Guardian - Sport

Once, island greens were as rare as 320-yard drives.

The New York Times - Sports

In television, heroes are as rare as hens' teeth.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

True mergers of equals are almost as rare as unicorns.

The Guardian - Business

The sensation should not be as rare as it is.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "as rare", ensure you are comparing the rarity of something to something else that is known to be equally or more uncommon, creating a vivid comparison for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "as rare" to compare something to a common occurrence. The comparison loses its impact if the referenced item isn't truly uncommon. For example, saying "as rare as a rainy day" doesn't effectively convey scarcity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as rare" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun by emphasizing its scarcity. It positions the subject in relation to another, often more familiar, element. Ludwig examples show direct comparisons, such as 'as rare as hen's teeth'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as rare" is a versatile comparative adjective phrase used to emphasize the infrequency or scarcity of something by drawing a comparison to another uncommon element. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, "as rare" serves to vividly highlight the uncommon nature of a subject. To use it effectively, ensure the comparison resonates with the audience, and avoid using it for commonplace occurrences. Alternatives like "as scarce" or "few and far between" can provide similar emphasis. Understanding these nuances will help you wield the phrase with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as scarce

Replaces 'rare' with its direct synonym 'scarce', maintaining identical meaning.

as uncommon

Substitutes 'rare' with 'uncommon', suggesting something not frequently encountered.

as infrequent

Uses 'infrequent' instead of 'rare' to describe something that doesn't happen often.

as unusual

Replaces 'rare' with 'unusual', implying something out of the ordinary.

as precious

Emphasizes the value and limited availability, adding a sense of importance that isn't explicit in 'rare'.

few and far between

An idiomatic expression meaning scarce or not common.

thin on the ground

Means scarce or not readily available, often used in British English.

like hen's teeth

An idiomatic phrase that means extremely rare or non-existent.

a rarity

Uses the noun form of 'rare' to indicate something not commonly found.

seldom seen

Implies something is not often observed or encountered.

FAQs

How can I use "as rare" in a sentence?

Use "as rare" to compare the scarcity of something to another item or event. For example, "Finding genuine kindness can be "as rare" as a blue moon".

What phrases are similar to "as rare"?

Alternatives include "as scarce", "as uncommon", or "few and far between", all suggesting infrequency.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "as rare"?

The appropriateness depends on the context. Use "as rare" when you want to emphasize the scarcity or infrequency of something by comparing it to something else equally rare or precious.

What's the difference between "as rare" and "uncommon"?

"Uncommon" simply means not frequently encountered, while "as rare" makes a direct comparison to highlight just how infrequent something is. "A solar eclipse is uncommon," versus "A genuine apology is "as rare" as a honest politician."