is rare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is 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 rare, making it a special find for those who come across one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it is rare.

The New York Times

Crime is rare.

The Economist

Radicalism is rare!

The Economist

Anorexia nervosa is rare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Blight is rare.

The New York Times

Reconciliation is rare.

The New Yorker

The charge is rare.

The Economist

His attitude is rare.

The New Yorker

Which is rare indeed.

Independent

But it is rare.

The New York Times

Exact reciprocity is rare.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rare" when emphasizing the uncommon nature or infrequency of something, especially when contrasting it with more prevalent occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "is rare" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "infrequent" or "uncommon" to maintain a consistent tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rare" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective that describes a quality or state of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and acceptable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

8%

The Guardian

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rare" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey that something is uncommon or infrequent. As Ludwig AI validates, its usage spans diverse contexts from News & Media to Academic writing. While broadly applicable, it's advisable to consider the formality of the context and choose more precise alternatives if needed, particularly in scientific or technical writing. Related phrases like "is uncommon" or "is infrequent" can offer nuanced ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is uncommon

Replaces "rare" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same grammatical structure.

is infrequent

Uses another synonym for "rare", slightly changing the emphasis.

is scarce

Emphasizes a limited supply or availability.

is not common

Uses a negative construction to express the same idea.

is seldom seen

Focuses on the infrequency of observation.

is a rarity

Transforms the adjective into a noun phrase.

is few and far between

Idiomatic expression indicating scarcity and separation.

does not happen often

Shifts the focus to the frequency of occurrence.

is thin on the ground

Idiomatic expression suggesting a lack of availability or presence.

is like hen's teeth

An idiom emphasizing extreme rarity or non-existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "is rare" to describe something that doesn't happen or exist often. For example, "Genuine altruism "is rare" in politics".

What are some alternatives to "is rare"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "is uncommon", "is infrequent", or "is scarce".

Is it grammatically correct to say "is rare"?

Yes, "is rare" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard subject-verb structure where "is" is the verb and "rare" is the predicate adjective describing the subject.

What's the difference between "is rare" and "is unusual"?

"Is rare" emphasizes the infrequency of something, while "is unusual" highlights that something deviates from the norm or is out of the ordinary. The choice depends on whether you want to stress the frequency or the atypical nature of the subject.