i seldom have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I seldom have" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that you do not often possess or experience something. Example: "I seldom have the opportunity to travel due to my work commitments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I seldom have been able to sit still and force myself to feel her seclusion.

The New Yorker

I seldom have to wait for more than half an hour.

The Guardian

I seldom have the opportunity to put test cars to serious braking and handling tests, but I had my chance on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut when a Ford Taurus flew across the divider and landed right in front of me.

The New York Times

I seldom have news of you.

University of Chicago

I try not to take work home, and I seldom have to worry about it because I'm very careful in making commitments.

Forbes

What this means is I seldom have to clean.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Generally speaking, I seldom had any money back then," he says.

The Guardian - Arts

The kitchen seems to be getting better and better, and I seldom had the sense that Mr. Neroni was showing off, which he's been known to do.

The New York Times - Food

But as I wrap this column up, my abiding regret is I seldom had the time to reply to reader emails, to at least say thanks for your civility, your enthusiasm, your kindness.

The New York Times

I seldom had anyone over for dinner.

Huffington Post

But after our lavish evening meals, I seldom had room for them.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I seldom have", ensure that the statement is followed by a specific and concrete example or situation to add clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I seldom have" in very informal or casual conversations as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I don't often have" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I seldom have" functions as an introductory phrase indicating the infrequency of possessing or experiencing something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a correct phrase. For example, "I seldom have news of you" demonstrates this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I seldom have" is a grammatically correct way to express that one rarely possesses or experiences something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not the most common phrase, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. For less formal situations, alternatives like "I rarely have" or "I don't often have" may be more appropriate. Remember to follow the phrase with a concrete example for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I rarely have

Replaces "seldom" with "rarely", a synonym indicating infrequency.

I infrequently have

Substitutes "seldom" with "infrequently", another synonym denoting lack of frequency.

I don't often have

Uses a more common and direct way to express the lack of frequency.

I hardly ever have

Replaces "seldom" with "hardly ever", emphasizing the rarity.

I scarcely have

Employs "scarcely" as a more formal substitute for "seldom".

I have few opportunities to

Shifts the focus to a lack of opportunities instead of a lack of possession.

It's not often that I have

Inverts the sentence structure for emphasis.

I have only a few

Focuses on the limited quantity rather than the frequency.

I do not frequently have

Uses a more formal tone and structure to convey infrequency.

I sometimes lack

Indicates an occasional absence or deficiency.

FAQs

What does "I seldom have" mean?

The phrase "I seldom have" means that you rarely possess, experience, or encounter something. It indicates that something is not common or frequent in your life.

What can I say instead of "I seldom have"?

You can use alternatives like "I rarely have", "I don't often have", or "I hardly ever have" depending on the context.

How to use "I seldom have" in a sentence?

You can use "I seldom have" followed by a noun or a verb phrase. For example: "I seldom have the time to relax" or "I seldom have been so impressed by a performance".

Is "I seldom have" formal or informal?

"I seldom have" is considered more formal than alternatives like "I don't often have". It's suitable for written communication and formal conversations but might sound out of place in very casual settings.