more uncommon than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more uncommon than" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing the rarity of two items, situations, or phenomena. Example: "This species of bird is more uncommon than the others found in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

As a concept car, the 1954 Plymouth Belmont concept is more uncommon than most Plymouths.

The New York Times

TR: Given that more than one gene has to be polymorphic to produce such conditions, I would think they'd be more uncommon than single-gene disorders.

MIT Technology Review

She remains unpersuaded, believing that impeachment would fail and in the process would make weeks such as this one -- a week in which the public's business is at last getting done -- far more uncommon than they already are.

The Washington Post

"Do we perhaps need so much energy and effort for ordinary and common things," Novalis wrote in his Miscellaneous Observations, "because for an authentic human being nothing is more out of the ordinary – nothing more uncommon than wretched ordinariness".

The Guardian - Books

Many books are far more uncommon than Gutenberg Bibles or first folios of William Shakespeare, but, when they can be found at all, they may sell for a small fraction of the price of the famous rarities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A solitary iliac aneurysm (SIA) is more uncommon than an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

JA Clinical Reports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

However, large reserves harboured more uncommon species than smaller reserves.

Biological Conservation

Plant assemblage data showed that, except for lakes, wetland landscape types (fenlands and valleys) were generally richer in species, with more uncommon taxa, than other landscapes.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

Also I think it is important to prove that artists, particularly political artists, can make more powerful gestures, braver gestures and more uncommon gestures than politicians".

The Guardian

Ponds typically supported more uncommon invertebrate species than other waterbody types.

Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment

The company didn't grow fast enough to repay its debts, and after five years Petry declared personal bankruptcy which is far more uncommon in Germany than it is in the United States.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing the rarity of items or events, ensure your context is clear by specifying the groups or categories you're comparing. For example, instead of saying 'This occurrence is "more uncommon than" others,' clarify 'This occurrence is "more uncommon than" similar events in the past.'

Common error

While grammatically correct, "more uncommon than" can sound awkward or redundant in formal contexts. Opt for "rarer than" or "less common than" for a more streamlined and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more uncommon than" functions as a comparative, serving to establish a relative degree of infrequency between two subjects. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showcasing examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more uncommon than" is a grammatically correct construction used to compare the infrequency of two items. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, demonstrating usage across diverse fields. While "more uncommon than" is accepted, it's beneficial to recognize that alternatives like "less common than" or "rarer than" may offer a more concise or stylistically appropriate option in many situations. While the phrase finds use in neutral and formal writing, particularly in scientific and news contexts, a careful assessment of tone and context is advised for optimal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarer than

Emphasizes the scarcity of one thing compared to another. Direct synonym.

less common than

Indicates lower prevalence. Another direct synonym.

more infrequent than

Highlights the reduced frequency of occurrence. Close to the original in meaning.

not as common as

Expresses a similar comparison by negating the commonness of something. Syntactically different.

more exceptional than

Focuses on the unusual or atypical nature rather than mere infrequency. Shifts the focus slightly.

more unusual than

Highlights the departure from the norm. Closer to the original but with a slightly different emphasis.

more scarce than

Stresses the limited availability of something. Adds more intensity to the idea of "uncommon"

more sparse than

Implies a low density or distribution, which relates to being uncommon. Introduces the idea of distribution.

outweighed by

Suggests a difference in quantity or volume of something.

eclipsed by

Suggests that one thing outshines the quantity of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "more uncommon than" in a sentence?

Use "more uncommon than" to compare the infrequency of two things, such as "This type of reaction is "more uncommon than" side effects reported in previous trials." Ensure the comparison is clear and logical.

What's a good alternative to "more uncommon than"?

Alternatives include "rarer than", "less common than", or "more infrequent than". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "more uncommon than" redundant?

While grammatically correct, some find it slightly redundant because "uncommon" already implies a lack of frequency. Using "less common than" or "rarer than" might be more concise.

How does the formality of "more uncommon than" compare to its alternatives?

"More uncommon than" falls in a relatively neutral register. "Rarer than" might sound slightly more formal, while "less common than" is generally suitable for most contexts.