exactly uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly uncommon" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to emphasize that something is precisely not common, but it may sound contradictory. Example: "While many people enjoy the usual tourist attractions, I prefer to seek out experiences that are exactly uncommon."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's not exactly uncommon.

The Guardian - Opinion

Scammell argues here that "the exercise of male strength to gain sexual satisfaction wasn't exactly uncommon at that time" and that "Craigie's story and Cesarani's embellishment of it have left a stain on Koestler's reputation far larger than he deserves".

The New York Times - Books

His motives are a mystery, but I suspect they have more to do with the kind of petty, parochial jealousies and concerns that are not exactly uncommon in state legislatures than with anything so grand as a fear that the scheme might someday hand the White House to a Republican loser.

The New Yorker

Lugging nearly $130,000 in cash into a dealership might sound bizarre, but it's not exactly uncommon in China, where hotel bills, jewelry purchases and even the lecture fees for visiting scholars are routinely settled with thick wads of renminbi, China's currency.

The New York Times

This is the kind of thing that has happened to every major game company from Zynga to Rovio so is not exactly uncommon.

TechCrunch

Warehouse worker complaints aren't exactly uncommon.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Headline-grabbing arrests at fraternities have not exactly been uncommon in recent years.

Huffington Post

It said, "Being insanely violent isn't exactly an uncommon trait amongst game characters, but driven by a rage wrought from his guilt (slaughtered thousands, including – oops – his wife and daughter) Kratos kills with such convincing visceral aggression it elevates him way beyond the status of brain-dead murder-bot".

Wikipedia

It is exactly because of this uncommon ease that one of the funniest bits in the film takes place, when Sayre first meets Teta Fatima.

Huffington Post

The variance equality for a CV design is attained exactly when there is one uncommon parameter for any two models within the class.

Journal of Statistical Planning and Inference

Though no two stories are exactly the same, such cases are not uncommon, housing specialists say.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, consider pairing "exactly uncommon" with further explanation or examples to ensure your audience understands the specific attribute you're highlighting as particularly rare.

Common error

Avoid using "exactly uncommon" excessively in formal writing, as it can be perceived as unconventional or less professional. Opt for more direct and widely accepted synonyms like "rare" or "unusual" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly uncommon" functions as an intensifier (exactly) modifying an adjective (uncommon). It serves to emphasize the degree to which something deviates from the norm. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing situations or characteristics that are particularly rare or unusual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exactly uncommon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the rareness or unusualness of something. While acceptable, Ludwig AI highlights that it may sound unconventional to some. As Ludwig examples show, it is predominantly found in News & Media contexts and can add a unique tone to writing. However, in more formal settings, synonyms like "precisely rare" might be preferred to maintain a polished tone. When employing this phrase, consider the specific attribute you're highlighting and provide context to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precisely rare

Replaces "uncommon" with "rare" and maintains the emphasis on exactness.

distinctly unusual

Substitutes "uncommon" with "unusual", highlighting the distinctiveness.

particularly atypical

Uses "atypical" instead of "uncommon", emphasizing the deviation from the norm.

especially exceptional

Replaces "uncommon" with "exceptional", focusing on the superior quality.

remarkably singular

Uses "singular" instead of "uncommon", indicating uniqueness and distinction.

uniquely peculiar

Combines "uniquely" with "peculiar" to emphasize the distinct oddity.

patently extraordinary

Replaces "uncommon" with "extraordinary", stressing the exceptional nature.

noticeably different

Shifts the focus to the noticeable difference from what is common.

decidedly scarce

Uses "scarce" instead of "uncommon", pointing to the limited availability or existence.

emphatically novel

Replaces "uncommon" with "novel", emphasizing the newness and originality.

FAQs

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

You can use "exactly uncommon" to describe something that is specifically not common, highlighting its rarity or unusual nature. For example: "While many people enjoy typical tourist attractions, I prefer experiences that are "exactly uncommon".

What are some alternatives to "exactly uncommon"?

Alternatives include "precisely rare", "distinctly unusual", or "particularly atypical". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "exactly uncommon"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct, but it might sound somewhat unusual. The phrase is formed by using the adverb "exactly" to modify the adjective "uncommon". While grammatically sound, consider your audience and the context, as some may find it unconventional.

What's the difference between "exactly uncommon" and simply saying "uncommon"?

"Exactly uncommon" adds emphasis, indicating that something is not just uncommon but specifically and precisely so. Simply stating "uncommon" lacks this added emphasis. "Exactly uncommon" suggests a more pronounced degree of rareness.