is not common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not common" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is infrequently encountered or not widely known. Example: "The method of using this particular technique is not common in traditional practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The disease is not common.

The New York Times - Health

Vehicle hire is not common.

The Guardian - Travel

"This kind of isolation is not common".

The New York Times - Travel

Nationally, though, premarital abstinence is not common.

The New York Times - Sports

Periapical actinomycosis is not common.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

The procedure is not common elsewhere.

The New York Times

Vehicle hire for foreigners is not common.

The Guardian - Travel

"The bacteria is not common," he said.

The New York Times

Transfer between medical schools is not common.

Cornell University

Intelligence is not common to everyone.

Harvard University

The damage is not common or public.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not common" to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact. This can add emphasis and engage the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "is not common" excessively in formal or academic writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "rare", "unusual", or "infrequent" to maintain reader engagement and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not common" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, indicating that something occurs infrequently or is not widely prevalent. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, demonstrating its role in conveying rarity or unusualness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not common" is a versatile expression used to denote that something is infrequent or unusual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it suitable for various contexts, ranging from academic and scientific writing to news and media. While it is frequently used, varying your language with synonyms like "rare" or "unusual" can enhance your writing style. Remember to provide clear context when using this phrase to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncommon

A direct synonym, indicating something not typically found.

is unusual

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or expected.

is rare

Highlights the scarcity or infrequent occurrence of something.

is infrequent

Focuses on the lack of regularity or frequency.

is atypical

Suggests a departure from the typical or standard.

is scarce

Indicates a limited availability or occurrence.

is exceptional

Implies being an exception to the general rule.

is out of the ordinary

Stresses the unusual or remarkable nature.

is few and far between

Highlights the rarity and separation of occurrences.

is hardly ever seen

Emphasizes the infrequency of observation or encounter.

FAQs

How can I use "is not common" in a sentence?

You can use "is not common" to describe something that occurs infrequently or is not widely observed. For example: "Although effective, this treatment method "is not common" due to its high cost".

What can I say instead of "is not common"?

Alternatives to "is not common" include "is rare", "is unusual", or "is infrequent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is not common" or "is uncommon"?

"Is not common" and "is uncommon" are largely interchangeable. "Is uncommon" may sound slightly more formal, but both are grammatically correct and widely understood.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not common"?

The phrase "is not common" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that something is unusual or deviates from the norm. It is suitable for various contexts, including academic, professional, and casual settings.