least common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "least common" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical contexts, particularly when referring to the least common multiple (LCM) of two or more numbers. Example: "To find the least common multiple of 4 and 6, we determine that it is 12."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The least common?

The New York Times

It is strategy by least common denominator.

The New York Times

It pleased everyone as the least common denominator.

The New York Times

She covers greatest common factors and least common multiples.

The New York Times

Depressed or indented lesions were the least common but the most risky.

The New York Times - Health

And the work being produced adheres to known standards or at least common formats.

The Guardian

"It is not incumbent on the airlines to be the least common denominator here.

The New York Times

Pneumonic plague is the least common and most deadly form of the disease.

The New York Times

least common multiple.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

The least common sign among billionaires?

Forbes

It is, at the very least, common.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "least common" in a mathematical context, ensure you're referring to the least common multiple (LCM). Otherwise, clarify what you're measuring the commonality of, for example, "the least common type of error".

Common error

Avoid using "least common" interchangeably with "least common multiple" (LCM) unless the context is explicitly mathematical. Using "least common" generally implies rarity or infrequency, whereas LCM is a specific mathematical concept.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "least common" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is the rarest or most infrequent among a group. It describes the relative frequency or prevalence of something. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct and consistent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "least common" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig AI confirms its standard usage to denote the rarest or most infrequent item within a set. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various audiences. To ensure clarity, especially in mathematical or technical discussions, it's important to differentiate its general usage from specific terms like 'least common multiple'. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "least common" to precisely convey rarity and infrequency in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least frequent

Directly indicates minimal frequency.

rarest

Emphasizes the absolute minimum frequency of occurrence.

most infrequent

Highlights the lack of frequency, focusing on how rarely something happens.

least typical

Highlights deviation from the norm, implying that something is not commonly seen.

fewest

Denotes the smallest quantity of items or instances.

most unusual

Indicates something is not typical or ordinary, implying rarity.

most scarce

Focuses on the limited availability of something.

smallest number of

Focuses on the numerical aspect of being the smallest quantity.

least general

Suggests something that applies in the fewest cases or is not widely applicable.

minimal

Simply suggests 'the lowest quantity or level'.

FAQs

How do I use "least common" in a sentence?

Use "least common" to describe something that occurs infrequently or is the rarest among a group of items. For example: "Melanoma is the "least common" but most deadly form of skin cancer".

What is an alternative to saying "least common"?

You can use alternatives such as "rarest", "most infrequent", or "least frequent depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "less common" instead of "least common"?

"Less common" indicates something is not as frequent, but ""least common"" specifies that it is the rarest or most infrequent among a group. The choice depends on the specific comparison you want to make.

When should I use "least common multiple" instead of just "least common"?

Use "least common multiple" (LCM) specifically in mathematical contexts when referring to the smallest multiple that two or more numbers share. Outside of math, use ""least common"" to indicate rarity or infrequency.