is a rarity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is a rarity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to refer to something that is not common or something that happens infrequently. For example, "A good movie that doesn't rely on jump scares is a rarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a rarity.

The New York Times

It is a rarity.

The Economist

But Nomura is a rarity.

The Economist

Stealing home is a rarity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Now that is a rarity.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a rarity.

The Guardian - Sport

Money is a rarity.

The New York Times

But this is a rarity.

Stanford University

HARRY WAIZER is a rarity at Cantor.

The New York Times

But Woodbine is a rarity.

The Washington Post

Truly classic furniture is a rarity.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is a rarity" when you want to emphasize that something is not commonly found or experienced. It adds a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to simply saying something is "rare".

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "is a rarity" too frequently in casual conversation can sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "uncommon" or "rare" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is a rarity" functions as a predicative expression, attributing the quality of being uncommon or infrequent to a subject. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is a rarity" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to indicate that something is uncommon or infrequent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for a variety of formal and informal settings. While direct synonyms like "is uncommon" or "is unusual" exist, "is a rarity" carries a slightly more emphatic tone. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality and emphasis. As highlighted by Ludwig, overuse in informal conversation may sound stilted, and should be avoided. Finally, by following practical guidance, writers can leverage "is a rarity" effectively, and avoid common mistakes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncommon

Replaces "rarity" with a more direct synonym, focusing on the lack of commonness.

is unusual

Similar to 'uncommon' but emphasizes deviation from the norm.

is exceptional

Highlights the positive deviation from the standard.

is infrequent

Focuses on the lack of frequency in occurrence.

is scarce

Implies limited availability or presence.

is few and far between

Idiomatic expression emphasizing the wide spacing of occurrences.

is like hen's teeth

An informal, idiomatic expression meaning extremely rare.

is a deviation

Focuses on departing from the norm.

is one of a kind

Emphasizes uniqueness rather than infrequency, but still implies rarity.

is like a needle in a haystack

Idiomatic expression referring to an item nearly impossible to find.

FAQs

How can I use "is a rarity" in a sentence?

You can use "is a rarity" to describe something that is uncommon or infrequent. For example, "A movie that doesn't have any plot holes "is a rarity"."

What can I say instead of "is a rarity"?

You can use alternatives like "is uncommon", "is unusual", or "is scarce" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is a rarity" or "is a common occurrence"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Is a rarity" means something is infrequent, while "is a common occurrence" means something happens frequently.

What's the difference between "is a rarity" and "is rare"?

While semantically similar, "is a rarity" is a phrase that often adds a touch more emphasis or formality, while "is rare" is more direct. For example saying "finding a genuinely kind person in that industry "is a rarity"" emphasizes it more than "is rare".