even if rarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even if rarely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs occasionally or infrequently, often in a conditional context. Example: "I enjoy going for long walks, even if rarely, due to my busy schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The practice, even if rarely applied, runs counter to the traditional Silicon Valley model, where people join risky, unproven start-ups in exchange for substantial equity.

The New York Times

The races are lively, proving that Iran's provinces, even if rarely visited by Tehranis much less foreigners, are no longer mired in myopic local rivalries.

The Guardian

In sum, this consists of (a) acknowledging that biological background assumptions are part of risk assessment, even if rarely explicated; (b) identifying which biological background assumptions are at play and how; (c) finding empirical and/or argumentative reasons (for instance through 'inductive risk') to adopt one set of assumptions rather than another.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

More elaborate and exotic vegetables, such as asparagus, also were featured, even if rarely eaten.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Even if rarely, nuclear gene (i.e., POLG [mitochondrial polymerase gamma] and PEO1 [mitochondrial helicase "Twinkle"] genes) mutations can cause a MELAS-like syndrome [26], [27].

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

Recognition of the underlined genetic disorders causing stroke is important for a correct diagnosis, for genetic counselling and, even if rarely, for a correct therapeutic management.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta - Clinical

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

David Perry suggests an even simpler--if rarely taken--step to keeping critical information secure: keep it offline.

Forbes

So even if they rarely show it, the Alfords know they have been handed a rare opportunity.

Los Angeles Times

But even if Swedes rarely talk about döstädning, there is something authentic about the underlying philosophy.

The Guardian

Even if one rarely uses it, it is nice to know that it is there.

The New York Times

Still, even if we rarely sleep on them today, the water bed may have transformed our ideas about comfort.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even if rarely" to acknowledge a condition that is unlikely or infrequent, while still emphasizing its relevance. For instance, "Review the safety protocols, "even if rarely", incidents occur."

Common error

Avoid using "even if rarely" to downplay the significance of something just because it doesn't happen often. The phrase should acknowledge infrequency without implying unimportance. E.g Avoid "Check the equipment, "even if rarely", it malfunctions" since equipment malfunctions can have disastrous consequences no matter their frequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even if rarely" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase, introducing a subordinate clause that acknowledges a condition that is infrequent. As confirmed by Ludwig, it modifies the main clause by conceding a point, although the main point still holds true.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "even if rarely" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase employed to introduce a condition or possibility, while emphasizing its infrequency. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It is most common in News & Media and Science, demonstrating its versatility. While not extremely prevalent, its correct usage can add nuance to your writing by acknowledging uncommon circumstances without diminishing their importance. Remember to consider context when choosing this phrase, ensuring it appropriately reflects the relationship between the condition and the main clause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even when infrequent

Replaces "rarely" with "infrequent", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

even if uncommonly

Substitutes "rarely" with "uncommonly", offering a slightly different tone.

even though uncommon

Substitutes "if rarely" with "though uncommon", shifting the structure to a concessive clause.

even if scarcely

Uses "scarcely" instead of "rarely", suggesting a minimal or almost nonexistent occurrence.

if only seldom

Uses "seldom" instead of "rarely", and alters the sentence structure to emphasize the infrequency.

even should it be infrequent

Introduces a more formal and hypothetical tone with "should it be infrequent".

even if exceptionally

Replaces "rarely" with "exceptionally" to highlight the unusual nature of the condition.

even on the rare occasion

Replaces the conditional structure with a phrase emphasizing the exceptional nature of the event.

even when it seldom happens

Expands "rarely" to a clause, clarifying the infrequency.

although it rarely occurs

Changes the structure to a subordinate clause using "although", focusing on the occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "even if rarely" in a sentence?

You can use "even if rarely" to introduce a condition that is not common but still relevant. For example, "The museum offers guided tours, "even if rarely", due to staff limitations".

What are some alternatives to "even if rarely"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "even if seldom", "even if infrequently", or "even though uncommon", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to include a comma before "even if rarely"?

The need for a comma before "even if rarely" depends on the sentence structure. If it introduces an essential clause, no comma is needed. If it introduces a nonessential clause providing additional information, use a comma. For example, "Check the system "even if rarely" used" (no comma, essential) vs "Check the system, "even if rarely" used, for maintenance" (comma, nonessential).

What's the difference between "even if rarely" and "even when rarely"?

"Even if rarely" implies a conditional situation that doesn't occur often, while "even when rarely" suggests that something is true or applicable during the uncommon times when an event happens. Example: "Even if rarely used, back up your data" vs "Even when rarely checked, the system has to be kept in order".