few and far between

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "few and far between" is correct and used regularly in written English.
It typically suggests that something is rare or sparse. For example: "Due to its rarity, sightings of the rare bird species were few and far between."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But those were few and far between.

The New Yorker

The hospitals are few and far between".

Independent

Upheld protests are few and far between.

The New York Times

Manicured fields were few and far between.

The New York Times - Sports

Chances were few and far between.

Independent

"They are few and far between".

The New York Times

Exams are few and far between.

The Economist

Bridge marathons are few and far between.

The New York Times

Days of rest few and far between.

The New York Times

Budget hotels are few and far between.

Independent

They were too few and far between".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "few and far between", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are referring to is expected or desired more frequently. This emphasizes the disappointment or inconvenience of its rarity.

Common error

Avoid using "few and far between" when simply describing something that is naturally sparse. The phrase implies an unexpected or undesirable infrequency, not just a low density or count.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "few and far between" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its rarity or infrequency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "few and far between" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is rare or infrequent. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources. While suitable for general and news writing, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intention to emphasize the scarcity or infrequency of the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

few and scattered

Focuses on the limited quantity and spread-out nature.

hard to come by

Indicates difficulty in obtaining or finding something.

scarce and infrequent

Replaces common phrasing with more formal vocabulary.

in short supply

Highlights the inadequate availability of something.

rare and isolated

Emphasizes both the rareness and the separation of occurrences.

uncommon and dispersed

Highlights the unusual nature and scattered distribution.

thin on the ground

An idiomatic expression indicating a lack of availability.

not thick on the ground

Similar to "thin on the ground", indicating scarcity in a given area.

like hen's teeth

Uses a simile to describe extreme rarity.

as rare as rocking horse manure

Emphasizes rarity through an absurd comparison.

FAQs

How can I use "few and far between" in a sentence?

Use "few and far between" to describe something that occurs infrequently or is difficult to find. For example, "Opportunities for promotion were "few and far between" in the stagnant company".

What does "few and far between" mean?

The phrase "few and far between" means that something is rare, infrequent, or scarce. It suggests that occurrences are not only limited in number but also widely spaced or separated in time or distance.

What are some alternatives to "few and far between"?

You can use alternatives such as "scarce and infrequent", "rare and isolated", or "thin on the ground" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "few and far between" in formal writing?

While "few and far between" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "scarce and infrequent" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.