comparatively rare

USAGE SUMMARY

"comparatively rare" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when an item is one of the less common items, but not as rare as other items in its category. Example: Although some thought it would be difficult to find a rare first edition book, the task was comparatively easy since the books were not as rare as other first editions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

VENOMOUS mammals are comparatively rare.

The Economist

Divorce at this level is comparatively rare.

The New York Times

Chlorapatite and carbonate-apatite are comparatively rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such cases were probably comparatively rare, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Independent figure sculpture is comparatively rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such federal executions are comparatively rare.

The New York Times

Divorce, though rising in some countries, remains comparatively rare.

The Economist

Birds, animals, fish, and more-interesting scenes are comparatively rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such phenomena, however, were comparatively rare and isolated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mass shootings are comparatively rare, which makes them hard to predict.

The Guardian

Serious accidents are almost an everyday occurrence in cycling but deaths are comparatively rare.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "comparatively rare" when you want to express something is not common, but not extremely rare either.

Common error

Avoid using "comparatively rare" when describing something that is almost nonexistent. It's better suited for situations where the item or event does occur, but less frequently than others in its category.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "comparatively rare" functions as an adjectival modifier, indicating that the noun it modifies is not very common when compared to other things of its kind. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples show it applied across various nouns to denote relative scarcity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "comparatively rare" is a versatile phrase used to describe something that is less common than other things of its kind, but not extremely scarce. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While suitable for formal writing, it avoids overstating rarity and provides a balanced perspective. Alternatives like "relatively uncommon" or "moderately unusual" can be used depending on the specific nuance. This phrase helps to communicate nuanced information about frequency and prevalence, making it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proportionately rare

Focuses on the rarity relative to a specific proportion or ratio.

relatively uncommon

Emphasizes the lack of commonness from a relative perspective.

comparatively infrequent

Highlights the low frequency of occurrence in a comparative sense.

moderately unusual

Suggests a degree of deviation from the norm.

somewhat scarce

Indicates a limited availability or supply.

not particularly common

Uses a more explicit negative to express the lack of commonness.

less prevalent

Focuses on the lower degree of dominance or widespread existence.

fairly exceptional

Indicates something standing out from the ordinary.

out of the ordinary

Highlights that something differs from what is usual or expected.

distinctly atypical

Emphasizes the divergence from a typical or representative example.

FAQs

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

You can use "comparatively rare" to describe something that occurs less often than other similar things. For example, "While accidents are common, fatalities are "comparatively rare"".

What are some alternatives to "comparatively rare"?

Alternatives include "relatively uncommon", "moderately unusual", or "somewhat scarce". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "comparatively rare" in formal writing?

Yes, "comparatively rare" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and precise way to indicate relative infrequency, making it appropriate for academic, business, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "comparatively rare" and "extremely rare"?

"Comparatively rare" indicates something is less common than others in its category, but still exists. "Extremely rare", on the other hand, suggests something is close to nonexistent. Therefore, "comparatively rare" implies a higher frequency than "extremely rare".