distinctly uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is not only uncommon but stands out as such. Example: "The artist's style is distinctly uncommon, setting her apart from her contemporaries."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Cervical disc herniations at the C3 C4 level are distinctly uncommon.

The Spine Journal

For the past two and a half years, I've immersed myself in the twenties of a distinctly uncommon person: Meryl Streep, the subject of my book, "Her Again: Becoming Meryl Streep".

The New Yorker

Todate HCV infection had affected a majority of the IDUs in Hong Kong but HIV/HCV coinfection was distinctly uncommon.

Plosone

Myocarditis associated with human monocytic ehrlichiosis is distinctly uncommon.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Although some isolated long-term survivals following surgery have been reported, they are distinctly uncommon.

Cancer Imaging

Primary malignant tumours arising from the meninges are distinctly uncommon, and when they occur, they are usually sarcomas.

Cancer Imaging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Although there is no shortage of excellent sport-touring bikes on the market, Guzzi's Norge 1200 deserves a look from riders seeking an uncommon and distinctly Italian way to accomplish Interstate travel.

The New York Times

Over time, Pilash tells me, protest on the Maidan took on a distinctly anti-authoritarian streak and it was not uncommon to hear people chanting "All politicians out!" Many protesters, Pilash adds, began to call for punitive measures against Ukrainian oligarchs and the powerful, and sought to put an end to the corrupt and incestuous alliance between business and government.

Huffington Post

A distinctly satisfying thought.

Independent

Its contents itemised distinctly.

Independent

Distinctly unappetising.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly uncommon" to emphasize that something is not just uncommon but noticeably so. It adds a layer of emphasis that simple 'uncommon' might lack.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "distinctly uncommon" can sometimes sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "rare" or "unusual" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly uncommon" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, where 'distinctly' modifies and intensifies the adjective 'uncommon'. According to Ludwig, this emphasizes the rarity or infrequency of something, making it noticeably different from the norm.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

80%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distinctly uncommon" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, according to Ludwig. It is used to emphasize the rarity of something, making it noticeably different. While appropriate for formal and scientific contexts, simpler alternatives might be better suited for casual conversation. As shown by Ludwig, while the phrase is correct, be sure to consider the context to determine if a simpler word choice would be more effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

markedly unusual

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm with a stronger intensity.

noticeably rare

Focuses on the infrequency and ease of noticing it.

patently atypical

Highlights the clear and obvious non-typical nature.

uniquely infrequent

Combines the ideas of uniqueness and low frequency.

particularly scarce

Stresses the limited availability or occurrence.

exceptionally singular

Highlights the unique and out-of-the-ordinary aspect.

strikingly aberrant

Emphasizes the unusual and deviating nature in a notable way.

decidedly exceptional

Points out the definite and clear departure from the average.

remarkably peculiar

Focuses on the odd and curious nature of something.

unusually isolated

Highlights the separated and infrequent occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "distinctly uncommon" to describe something that is not only rare but also noticeably so. For example, "Cervical disc herniations at the C3–C4 level are "distinctly uncommon"."

What is a synonym for "distinctly uncommon"?

Synonyms for "distinctly uncommon" include "markedly unusual", "noticeably rare", or "patently atypical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "distinctly uncommon" in formal writing?

Yes, "distinctly uncommon" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the rarity of something. However, be mindful of the overall tone and avoid overuse.

What's the difference between "distinctly uncommon" and "uncommon"?

"Distinctly uncommon" emphasizes the noticeable or marked nature of something being uncommon. It suggests that the rarity is readily apparent, whereas "uncommon" simply indicates that something is not frequently encountered.