is rarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is rarely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not happen often or is infrequent. Example: "She is rarely seen at social events, preferring to stay home and read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Criticism is rarely specific.

The Economist

It is rarely inherited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Petulance is rarely rewarded.

The New Yorker

Data is rarely clean".

The New Yorker

Li is rarely there.

The New Yorker

Suffering is rarely universal.

Independent

It is rarely lesbians.

The New York Times - Style

Discussion is rarely invited.

The Guardian

One is rarely driven.

The New York Times

Change is rarely straightforward.

The Guardian - Books

Downsizing is rarely easy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is rarely" to express that something does not happen often, but be mindful of the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider alternatives like "seldom is" or "hardly ever is" if they better fit the context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "is rarely" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "infrequently", "seldom", or restructuring sentences to convey the same meaning in a more engaging way.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is rarely" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the infrequency of an action or state. Ludwig highlights examples like "Criticism is rarely specific" and "Data is rarely clean", showcasing its role in qualifying statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is rarely" serves as a useful tool for expressing infrequency across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, especially in news and media, with examples like "Data is rarely clean". While versatile, it's essential to consider alternative phrasings like "seldom is" or "infrequently occurs" to enhance writing style and avoid repetition. Remember to reserve it for situations genuinely uncommon, not those virtually impossible, where "is never" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seldom is

Reorders the words while retaining the meaning of infrequency.

is hardly ever

Emphasizes the infrequency using "hardly ever" instead of "rarely".

occurs infrequently

Substitutes "is rarely" with a more formal phrase indicating low occurrence.

is infrequently

Replaces "rarely" with its adverbial synonym, "infrequently".

is scarcely

Emphasizes how something happens to a small degree.

is seldom seen

Replaces "rarely" with "seldom seen", emphasizing infrequent visibility.

is not often

Uses a more direct phrasing to express the lack of frequency.

is barely

Suggests that something almost doesn't happen.

is uncommonly

Uses "uncommonly" to highlight the unusual or infrequent nature.

is sporadically

Indicates that something happens irregularly or at scattered intervals.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is rarely" indicates something doesn't happen often. For example: "She "is rarely" late for meetings" or "The museum "is rarely" crowded on weekdays".

What are some alternatives to "is rarely"?

Alternatives include phrases like "seldom is", "hardly ever is", "infrequently is", or "not often is", each offering a slightly different nuance.

When is it best to use "is rarely" versus "is never"?

"Is rarely" implies something happens infrequently, while "is never" means it doesn't happen at all. Use ""is rarely"" when something is uncommon but possible and "is never" when something is impossible or prohibited.

Is "is rarely" formal or informal?

The phrase ""is rarely"" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider using alternatives like "occurs infrequently" for a more sophisticated tone.