is uncommon enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is uncommon enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rare or not frequently encountered to a sufficient degree. Example: "The phenomenon of bioluminescence in terrestrial organisms is uncommon enough that it fascinates scientists and nature enthusiasts alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The very notion of goat-milk ice cream is uncommon enough.

The New York Times - Food

An Aston draws attention, yet is uncommon enough to make people ask what it is.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Others want names that are uncommon enough to bestow uniqueness, but not so exotic that they would be considered weird on the playground.

The New York Times

One colleague said they were uncommon enough that he takes notice when there is one.

Los Angeles Times

In general, long-term airway complications such as laryngeal stenosis are uncommon enough to be considered reportable events, and often occur in the presence of additional airway insults, such as inhalation injury [ 20].

Critical Care

Not enough TRH, which is uncommon, can lead to not enough TSH and thereby to not enough thyroid hormone production.

Wikipedia

The exon 24 example only involves one variant, which is uncommon, but still frequent enough to show up repeatedly.

Plosone

Toxicity is uncommon as long as enough uninvolved liver can be spared from radiation therapy (e.g. >700 ml receiving 15 Gy in three fractions or mean liver dose <18 Gy in six fractions).

European Journal of Cancer, Supplement

The long band of yellow lettering at the bottom is unusual enough — yellow is uncommon in neon — but the swirly G. E. logos at either end, in icy blue, lend the sign a sort of pinball fantasy feeling.

The New York Times

It is uncommon that LBP is severe enough to prevent a professional footballer from competing or from relinquishing his place in team selection.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Such contrition is uncommon, however.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is uncommon enough" when you want to emphasize that something is not only rare but also rare to a degree that it has a specific consequence or effect. For instance, "The side effect is uncommon enough that doctors don't routinely screen for it."

Common error

Avoid using "is uncommon enough" when describing something that is merely unusual but not genuinely rare. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Make sure you are actually emphasizing a level of rarity, not just a simple deviation from the average.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is uncommon enough" functions as a descriptive qualifier, modifying a subject by indicating that its infrequency reaches a significant threshold. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, exemplified by descriptions of events or conditions that are rare to a notable degree.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is uncommon enough" is a qualifier used to indicate that something is not only rare but also rare to a degree that warrants attention. As supported by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for formal writing. While examples are relatively scarce, the phrase appears mostly in the context of news and media, and science. When employing this phrase, ensure that you are accurately conveying a significant level of infrequency, rather than merely stating that something is unusual. Consider alternatives like "is sufficiently rare" or "is infrequent enough" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is sufficiently rare

Focuses on the rarity aspect with the addition of an adverb. The difference lies in emphasizing the degree of rareness using "sufficiently".

is rare enough

Directly replaces "uncommon" with "rare", keeping the structure identical. It's a more straightforward synonym.

is infrequent enough

Substitutes "uncommon" with "infrequent". It emphasizes the lack of regular occurrence.

is sufficiently unusual

Replaces "uncommon" with "unusual" and uses 'sufficiently' instead of 'enough'. This emphasizes deviation from the norm.

is notably scarce

Expresses that something is noticeably lacking or in short supply. This implies a stronger absence than simply being uncommon.

is quite exceptional

Indicates that something is markedly different or out of the ordinary, linking uncommonness to being special.

is strikingly atypical

Highlights the departure from the typical or expected, emphasizing the unexpected nature.

is hardly ever seen

Conveys rarity by focusing on the infrequency of observation or experience.

is thin on the ground

Emphasizes scarcity, suggesting something is hard to find or locate.

is like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme rarity or non-existence.

FAQs

How can I use "is uncommon enough" in a sentence?

Use "is uncommon enough" to indicate that something is sufficiently rare to be noteworthy or significant. For example: "The complication "is uncommon enough" that we don't routinely screen for it".

What are some alternatives to "is uncommon enough"?

Alternatives include "is rare enough", "is sufficiently rare", or "is infrequent enough". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is uncommon" and "is uncommon enough"?

"Is uncommon" simply states that something is not common. "Is uncommon enough" implies a sufficient degree of rareness that leads to a specific consequence or observation.

Is it better to say "is rare" or "is uncommon enough"?

"Is rare" is a general statement of infrequency. "Is uncommon enough" adds a layer of significance, suggesting the rarity has a notable impact or implication. For example, if a side effect is "is rare", it might still be monitored; but if a side effect "is uncommon enough", it may not warrant routine screening.