is quite rare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is quite rare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is uncommon or not frequently encountered. Example: "Finding a four-leaf clover is quite rare, making it a special find for those who come across one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is quite rare.

The New York Times - Science

Sadly, it is quite rare.

The Guardian - Film

Palmer syndrome is quite rare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reporting is quite rare and very courageous.

Independent

Sounds simple, but it is quite rare.

The Guardian

At a minimum, long-run superior performance is quite rare.

Columbia University

"Finding a new species is quite rare," Harris says.

Princeton University

Cervical involvement due to spinal brucellosis is quite rare.

The Spine Journal

However, metastatic PCa in a RCC is quite rare.

Human Pathology: Case Reports

It is a nice relationship, which is quite rare.

The Guardian - Film

A: It is quite rare for a first-year MS student to secure an assistantship.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is quite rare", consider the context and audience to determine if a more precise or formal alternative would be more appropriate. For instance, in scientific writing, "is relatively infrequent" might be preferred over "is quite rare".

Common error

Avoid using "quite" excessively in formal writing, as it can sometimes sound less precise than more specific alternatives. Consider replacing "is quite rare" with "is uncommon" or "is infrequent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite rare" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject of a sentence as being uncommon. It is used to express the rarity or infrequency of something, as supported by Ludwig and its examples across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is quite rare" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something uncommon or infrequent. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in written English. While it's appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain situations. When using "is quite rare", consider the target audience and choose alternatives such as "is fairly uncommon" or "is relatively infrequent" if a more precise tone is desired. Remember to avoid overusing "quite" in highly formal contexts to maintain clarity and professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fairly uncommon

This alternative is less emphatic than "is quite rare".

is rather unusual

This phrase emphasizes the deviation from the norm.

is not very common

This is a more literal and straightforward alternative.

is relatively infrequent

This is a more formal and precise way of saying "is quite rare".

is seldom seen

This focuses on the observation of rarity.

is few and far between

This idiom suggests that occurrences are widely spaced and uncommon.

is a rarity

This alternative uses a noun form to express rarity.

is an exception to the rule

This phrase emphasizes that something deviates from the usual pattern.

is atypical

A more succinct and formal way of expressing uncommonness.

is like hen's teeth

This idiom means something is virtually non-existent.

FAQs

How can I use "is quite rare" in a sentence?

You can use "is quite rare" to describe something that doesn't occur often. For instance, "Finding a genuine antique in that shop is quite rare."

What are some alternatives to "is quite rare"?

Alternatives include "is fairly uncommon", "is rather unusual", or "is not very common" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "is quite rare" formal or informal?

"Is quite rare" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. However, in highly formal contexts, more precise alternatives like "is relatively infrequent" might be preferred.

What does "is quite rare" mean?

The phrase "is quite rare" means that something is uncommon or infrequent. It indicates that the occurrence of the subject is not typical or expected.