not common

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not common" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is infrequent or unusual in a particular context. Example: "While many people enjoy classical music, jazz is not common in this region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was not common.

The New York Times - Food

Strikes are not common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That's not common.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not common.

The New York Times

Lyrics are not common.

The New York Times

These are not common traits.

The New York Times

The disease is not common.

The New York Times - Health

However, they are not common.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such groups are not common.

The New York Times

Vehicle hire is not common.

The Guardian - Travel

It is certainly not common.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the prevalence of a phenomenon, use "not common" to indicate it occurs less frequently than the norm. For instance, "Side effects are not common with this medication."

Common error

Avoid using "not common" when "impossible" or "nonexistent" is more accurate. Saying "ghost sightings are not common" might be misleading if you believe they never happen at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not common" functions as an adjectival phrase. According to Ludwig, it typically modifies a noun to indicate that the noun's occurrence is infrequent or unusual. It describes the prevalence, or lack thereof, of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Travel

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not common" serves as an adjectival phrase used to describe something as infrequent or unusual. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, it's crucial to use "not common" appropriately, avoiding overstatements and choosing more precise terms when necessary. Exploring alternatives like "rare" or "unusual" can also enhance clarity and impact. As Ludwig suggests, understanding these nuances helps refine writing and ensures accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon

This alternative is a direct synonym, simply using a different prefix.

unusual

This alternative emphasizes that something deviates from what is typically expected.

rare

This alternative indicates scarcity and infrequency of occurrence.

infrequent

This alternative directly addresses the lack of frequency of something.

scarce

This alternative highlights the limited availability of something.

atypical

This alternative denotes something that is not representative of a standard type.

out of the ordinary

This alternative implies something that is beyond the realm of normal or routine.

few and far between

This alternative vividly describes the infrequent occurrence of something.

exceptional

This alternative implies a deviation from the norm due to superior qualities.

singular

This alternative emphasizes the unique and one-of-a-kind nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "not common" in a sentence?

You can use "not common" to describe something that occurs infrequently or is unusual. For example, "It's "not common" to see snow in July."

What are some alternatives to "not common"?

Alternatives include "rare", "unusual", or "infrequent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "not common" or "uncommon"?

"Not common" and "uncommon" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "not common" and "rare"?

"Rare" implies a lower frequency or smaller quantity than ""not common"". Something that is "rare" is less likely to occur or exist than something that is simply ""not common"".