less common occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less common occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that happens infrequently or is not typical. Example: "Finding a four-leaf clover is a less common occurrence than finding a three-leaf clover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Because of a liberalisation of opinion – or, possibly, softer chair coverings – this noise has become a much less common occurrence.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Idyar, 50 miles north of Cairo, the police clashed with supporters of the ruling candidate, a far less common occurrence.

The New York Times

The two, who are married to other people in real life, met in a Second Life club, hit it off and were married six weeks later in a Second Life ceremony — a more or less common occurrence (as are Second Life marital spats and Second Life divorce) that often occurs with the knowledge and consent of real-life spouses.

The New York Times

And, in a somewhat less common occurrence (hopefully), this is also the button you use to trigger Emergency SOS, so making it more difficult to press in any way for the sake of aesthetics isn't ideal.

Forbes

Thanks to new order-expediting apps, this might be a less common occurrence in the near future.

HuffPost

We will find a solution that makes occurrences like the Charleston tragedy a less common occurrence, but the lines of communication and logical public discourse must remain open.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Osteoblastoma is twenty times less common in occurrence than osteosarcoma and four times less frequent than osteoid osteoma[ 11 ].

Cancer Imaging

A less common but not unknown occurrence is for unrelated species to make up a guild.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Somatosensory symptoms were less common than visual with occurrence of 60% in patients.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

The influence of locust bean gum, on gastric emptying of nutrient semisolid meals in humans has been less well studied, despite its common occurrence in foods.

BMC Gastroenterology

However, the urban bird community also contains a number of less common species, with much more variable occurrence.

BMC Ecology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "less common occurrence", ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'common' occurrence is for comparison. This provides clarity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "less common occurrence" repeatedly in formal writing can sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "rarer event" or "infrequent instance" to add variety and sophistication to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less common occurrence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable. The phrase describes something that happens, but not frequently.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less common occurrence" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that serves to describe an event or situation that happens infrequently. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and frequently appears across a range of reliable sources. While deemed as grammatically sound, it's advisable to be mindful of potential repetitiveness in formal writing and consider using synonyms like "rare event" or "infrequent instance" for variety. The phrase is appropriate for neutral and objective contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in news and scientific publications. While the phrase is not considered to be frequently used, the meaning is considered valid and correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon event

A direct synonym, replacing "less" with "un".

infrequent instance

Highlights the infrequency.

infrequent event

Focuses on the infrequency of the event itself.

rare phenomenon

Emphasizes the rarity and unusual nature of the occurrence.

rare instance

Highlights the rareness.

atypical instance

Highlights the deviation from the typical or expected.

unusual happening

Focuses on the unusual nature of the event.

exceptional case

Suggests the occurrence is an exception to the norm.

scarce incident

Implies the incident is not only infrequent but also difficult to find.

isolated occurence

Emphasizes the singularity and lack of repetition.

FAQs

How can I use "less common occurrence" in a sentence?

You can use "less common occurrence" to describe something that happens infrequently, for example: "Finding a four-leaf clover is a "less common occurrence" than finding a three-leaf clover."

What are some alternatives to "less common occurrence"?

Alternatives include "rare event", "unusual happening", or "infrequent instance". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it redundant to say "less common occurrence"?

While "occurrence" implies something that happens, "less common" specifies its frequency. The phrase isn't strictly redundant, but using a single word like "rarity" might sometimes be more concise.

What's the difference between "less common occurrence" and "rare event"?

"Less common occurrence" is a more descriptive phrase emphasizing infrequency, while "rare event" is more concise and emphasizes the scarcity of the event. The choice depends on the desired level of detail.