as uncommon as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as uncommon as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the rarity of something to another rare item or situation, often in a humorous or exaggerated way. Example: "Finding a four-leaf clover in the city is as uncommon as a unicorn sighting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The cycle is about as uncommon as a no-hitter (287 occurrences in MLB history); it has been called "one of the rarest" and "most difficult feats" in baseball.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

This type of impropriety was not as uncommon as one might imagine, not in a Caribbean community like the one I grew up in, where boys were encouraged toward a hypermasculine ideal, where the line between adults and minors was not as safeguarded as it should have been.

The New Yorker

As uncommon as it may seem, the death of a parent is not infrequent following the loss of a child (see Even Presidents Have Lost).

Huffington Post

At least, Fish said, the triteness is being countered by a serious discussion among players about life and sport and purpose and meaning with a depth that is as uncommon as it is sobering.

The New York Times - Sports

Discovering a long-lost sibling isn't as uncommon as you might think.

Huffington Post

The idea of a paid haunted house actually being haunted isn't as uncommon as you might think.

Huffington Post

Well it's not as uncommon as you'd think.

The Guardian

It's not as uncommon as you might think.

Independent

This is my reality, and it isn't as uncommon as you might think.

The Guardian - Opinion

Buy from Amazon.co.ukMANY of Louisa Waugh's tales are as uncommon as her book promises.

The Economist

Still, I don't think lack of sex life between married couples is as uncommon as people think.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "as uncommon as a" to draw a comparison between two things that are similarly rare or infrequent, adding emphasis to the unexpectedness of the situation. Choose a comparison that the reader can easily relate to for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using overly obscure or complex comparisons when using "as uncommon as a". If the reference point is not widely understood, the phrase loses its impact and may confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as uncommon as a" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, used to indicate that something is similarly rare or infrequent as the item it is being compared to. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is perfectly usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as uncommon as a" serves as a comparative adjective phrase, effectively highlighting the rarity or infrequency of something by comparing it to another unusual occurrence. While grammatically correct, its overall frequency is rare. Its usage spans neutral registers. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When employing this phrase, consider your audience and context for greatest clarity and effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as rare as a

Replaces "uncommon" with "rare", focusing directly on the infrequency of something.

not as common as a

Uses a negative construction to indicate something is less frequent than something else.

as infrequent as a

Substitutes "uncommon" with "infrequent", highlighting the lack of regularity.

comparable in rarity to a

Introduces a more formal tone, specifying that the rarity is being compared.

on par in scarcity with a

Emphasizes the limited availability, using more sophisticated vocabulary.

as exceptional as a

Replaces "uncommon" with "exceptional", highlighting the rarity by focusing on the item's special nature.

distinct in rarity from a

Highlights the differences of rareness between 2 items

not as widespread as a

Focuses on the lack of distribution or prevalence, rather than inherent rarity.

nearly as scarce as a

Highlights that the items are nearly equal when it comes to being scarce.

just as unusual as a

Focuses on how both items are perceived as out of the ordinary

FAQs

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

You can use "as uncommon as a" to compare the rarity or infrequency of something to something else. For example, "Finding a genuine antique in that store is "as uncommon as a" honest politician".

What phrases are similar to "as uncommon as a"?

Similar phrases include "as rare as a", "not as common as a", or "as infrequent as a". Each emphasizes the lack of frequency or availability in a comparative way.

Is it better to use "uncommon" or "rare" in comparisons?

The choice between "uncommon" and "rare" depends on the specific context and desired nuance. "Rare" typically implies something is scarce or highly valued, while "uncommon" simply means not frequently encountered. Thus, "as rare as a" diamond suggests value, whereas "as uncommon as a snow day in July" suggests infrequency.

Can "as uncommon as a" be used in formal writing?

While "as uncommon as a" is grammatically correct, it may sound informal depending on the comparison being made. For more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "comparable in rarity to a" or "on par in scarcity with a" to maintain a more elevated tone.