infrequently used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "infrequently used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not often utilized or employed, such as a word, phrase, or tool. Example: "The term 'quixotic' is infrequently used in everyday conversation, but it has a rich literary history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, they are infrequently used in clinical practice.

Revista Española de Geriatría y Gerontología

However, scripted video vignettes are infrequently used to this end.

Patient Education and Counseling

Quasi-experiments have been infrequently used in the health sciences.

Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

It is an important structural timber in native regions but is infrequently used elsewhere.

Britannica

The F word: frowned upon, hotly contested, and, unfortunately, infrequently used in British secondary schools.

The Guardian

"This is an infrequently used program," he said in explaining the previous rejections.

The New York Times

Although infrequently used with adults, it would not be considered offensive in most cases.

The Washington Post

An obvious, though infrequently used, source of expertise can help: a professional mediator.

Harvard University

Existing cogeneration technology captures otherwise completely wasted heat energy but is infrequently used.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It has one small television up front and a big-screen television in back that is infrequently used.

The New York Times

Kansas City's only goofs in pass defense came out of their infrequently used zone concepts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "infrequently used", ensure the context clearly indicates why the item or concept is not commonly used. Is it due to inefficiency, obsolescence, or a specific niche application?

Common error

Avoid using "infrequently used" when describing something that is merely out of fashion or experiencing a temporary decline in popularity. Reserve it for items or practices that are genuinely rare or obsolete.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "infrequently used" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the extent to which something is utilized. Ludwig AI states that it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English, it serves to qualify the verb or adjective it modifies, indicating a lack of frequency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "infrequently used" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys the idea of something not being commonly utilized. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, and its applications span various fields such as science, news, and encyclopedias. Although alternatives like "rarely employed" or "seldom used" exist, "infrequently used" provides a slightly different nuance emphasizing the spacing or inconsistency of use. When employing this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure its accuracy and appropriateness. Use it to describe practices that are genuinely uncommon or obsolete.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely employed

Focuses on the scarcity of use, emphasizing a more formal tone than the original phrase.

seldom used

Highlights the infrequency of use, similar to "infrequently used" but with a slightly more archaic feel.

not often utilized

Emphasizes the lack of utilization, providing a more descriptive alternative.

uncommonly applied

Focuses on the application aspect, suggesting a deviation from the norm.

scarcely adopted

Implies a limited acceptance or adoption, particularly in practices or technologies.

sporadically implemented

Highlights the irregular or inconsistent implementation of something.

occasionally leveraged

Suggests that something is used only when necessary or under specific circumstances.

unusual practice

Shifts the focus to the practice itself, highlighting its rarity.

exceptional case

Emphasizes the rarity of the occurrence, framing it as an exception.

atypical application

Highlights that the manner of use is not standard or routine.

FAQs

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

You can use "infrequently used" to describe something that is not commonly utilized. For example: "The supplementary-vote system is an "infrequently used" variant, which was instituted for London mayoral elections."

What are some alternatives to saying "infrequently used"?

Alternatives to "infrequently used" include phrases like "rarely employed", "seldom used", or "not often utilized", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "infrequently used" and "rarely used"?

While similar, "infrequently used" may suggest a slightly more nuanced infrequency compared to "rarely used". "Rarely used" emphasizes the scarcity of use, while "infrequently used" may imply that the use is spaced out or inconsistent but the meaning is almost the same.

When is it appropriate to use the term "infrequently used"?

It is appropriate to use "infrequently used" when describing something that is not commonly employed or utilized, whether due to obsolescence, niche application, or other factors. For instance: "Hardness tests are "infrequently used" in practical gemology because of their potentially destructive nature."