infrequently heard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infrequently heard" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not often heard or encountered, typically in discussions about language, music, or opinions. Example: "The term 'quixotic' is an infrequently heard word in everyday conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Both of those musicians are too infrequently heard here.

The Guardian - Music

Wednesday night's Stravinsky program began with the infrequently heard "Perséphone," a 1934 melodrama on a text by Gide.

The New York Times - Arts

In requesting this fantastical, infrequently heard 1817 work, which, with two intermissions, lasted nearly four hours, Ms. Fleming was hardly playing it safe.

The New York Times - Arts

Many Indian feminists who support the idea of the march grapple with the name, which employs an English word infrequently heard here.

The New York Times

This time the program was split between the infrequently heard "Triple Quartet" (1998) and a Reich classic, "Music for 18 Musicians" (1976).

The New York Times - Arts

The big item on Sunday was a concert performance of de Falla's infrequently heard 1905 opera "La Vida Breve" ("The Short Life").

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Besides, I get the sense that few Bemelmans bons vivants notice them, just as I too infrequently hear people who have been to the Rose Bar in the Gramercy Park Hotel rave about the art in and around it, by Andy Warhol, Julian Schnabel, Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The New York Times - Food

Not infrequently, we hear in the course of an exercise class, the instructor remind us to breathe, " Breathe to the bottom of the lobes; she might advise.

Huffington Post

Ms. Anderson, heard infrequently in New York in recent seasons, specialized in bel canto repertory early in her career before branching out.

The New York Times - Arts

Dimitri Tiomkin's famous score has been imitated so often that one imagines it suffusing the film, but what is striking is how infrequently music is heard.

The New York Times

The ballet music is heard infrequently, but its charms are many, and Mr. Crawford pointed them up with sharply accented phrasing and carefully nuanced dynamics.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives like "rarely heard" or "seldom heard" if you want to emphasize the scarcity further.

Common error

Avoid using "infrequently heard" when you mean something is simply unknown or unpopular. The phrase specifically relates to things that are heard, whether literally or figuratively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "infrequently heard" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that is not commonly encountered or expressed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

30%

Music

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infrequently heard" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe something not commonly encountered, often in the realms of music, arts, and news. According to Ludwig, its correct usage highlights the rarity or uncommonness of the subject. While alternatives like "rarely heard" or "seldom heard" exist, "infrequently heard" strikes a balance between formality and clarity. When employing this phrase, ensure the context defines the subject and avoid using it for something simply unknown. Remember to utilize the advice shown above to improve your writing!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely heard

Emphasizes the scarcity of hearing something.

seldom heard

Highlights the infrequency of something being heard.

not often heard

Directly states the lack of frequency in hearing something.

uncommonly heard

Indicates that something is heard less than what is typical.

rarely encountered

Shifts the focus from hearing to encountering, but maintains the sense of infrequency.

not frequently heard

A more formal way of saying "not often heard".

scarcely heard

Emphasizes how little something is heard, almost to the point of not being heard at all.

infrequently encountered

Like 'rarely encountered', this broadens the scope from just hearing to any kind of experience.

unusual to hear

Focuses on the unexpected nature of hearing something.

exceptional to hear

Implies hearing something is a rare exception.

FAQs

How can I use "infrequently heard" in a sentence?

You can use "infrequently heard" to describe music, opinions, or terms that are not commonly encountered. For example, "The concert featured several "infrequently heard" compositions by the composer".

What are some alternatives to "infrequently heard"?

Alternatives include "rarely heard", "seldom heard", or "not often heard", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "infrequently heard" or "rarely heard"?

Both are correct, but "rarely heard" often implies a greater degree of scarcity. Use "infrequently heard" when you want to suggest something is uncommon but not necessarily exceptionally rare.

Can "infrequently heard" be used to describe something other than sounds?

Yes, "infrequently heard" can be used figuratively to describe opinions, arguments, or ideas that are not commonly expressed or encountered. For example, "That's an "infrequently heard" perspective on the matter".