is not often used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not often used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is infrequently utilized or referenced in a particular context. Example: "The term 'floccinaucinihilipilification' is not often used in everyday conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This test is not often used clinically.

Nature

It is not often used, its gates usually being locked.

The New York Times

Green papaya is not often used in American salads, but it is a wonderful addition that needs more exposure.

The New York Times

However, on-line process control with in-mould sensors is not often used in industrial manufacturing of RTM parts.

Polymer Testing

It is not often used by someone whose income comes from writing books, giving talks and doing consulting work.

The New York Times

The Taguchi method has been successfully applied in engineering fields to deal with a single performance quality problem, but it is not often used in interface design and the handling of multiple performance quality problems.

Displays

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

That's a sort of parliamentary violence that isn't often used, but it's part of the tool kit available to the minority.

The New York Times

In some countries such as Japan, for example, a board and pin metaphor isn't often used, unlike in North America where the phrasing is commonly used.

Forbes

Although the method isn't often used by modern, high-volume cybercriminal operations, it's often still a tool for smaller targeted attacks.

Forbes

Of larger concern is that though hookup culture has made its way to Vietnam, contraception isn't often used, especially by young people.

Vice

Anything made of cloth, especially if it isn't often used, could make a cozy home for a mouse.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not often used", ensure the context clearly indicates why something is not frequently used. This can add depth and clarity to your writing. For example, "This method is not often used because it's time-consuming".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the infrequency. While "is not often used" suggests something is rare, ensure it truly reflects the situation. Overstating can undermine your credibility. For example, don't say "This technique is never used" if it's occasionally applied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not often used" primarily functions as a descriptive statement indicating that a particular term, method, or object is infrequently employed. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not often used" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to convey that something occurs infrequently. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, with a strong presence in scientific and news media sources. When using the phrase, it's important to provide context and avoid overstating the infrequency to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "is rarely used" or "is seldom used" to add nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, you can effectively use "is not often used" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rarely used

Indicates a lower frequency of use compared to "is not often used".

is seldom used

Similar to "is rarely used", implying infrequent usage.

is infrequently used

A more formal way of saying "is not often used", emphasizing the lack of frequency.

is uncommonly used

Highlights the unusual or atypical nature of something being used.

is not generally used

Indicates that something is not the standard or typical practice.

is not typically used

Similar to "is not generally used", suggesting deviation from the norm.

is not widely used

Implies that something is not popular or prevalent.

is not habitually used

Focuses on the lack of consistent or routine use.

is not regularly used

Indicates a lack of consistent and repeated use.

is sporadically used

Suggests that something is only used occasionally and without a pattern.

FAQs

What does "is not often used" mean?

The phrase "is not often used" means that something is not used frequently or commonly. It suggests that while the subject might be available or applicable, it is not the typical or usual choice.

What are some alternatives to "is not often used"?

You can use alternatives like "is rarely used", "is seldom used", or "is infrequently used" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

How can I use "is not often used" in a sentence?

You can use "is not often used" to describe methods, terms, or practices that are not common. For example, "The Bernstein test is not often used clinically" or "Green papaya is not often used in American salads".

What is the difference between "is not often used" and "is never used"?

"Is not often used" implies that something is infrequent but still occurs sometimes. "Is never used" suggests it does not occur at all. Therefore, "is never used" is a stronger statement indicating complete absence, while "is not often used" indicates rarity.