not frequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not frequent" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that does not happen often or is rare. Example: "The meetings are not frequent, occurring only once a month." Alternative expressions include "infrequent" and "rarely occurring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They do not frequent burlesque theatres.

The New Yorker

It's rare, it's not frequent, but it has one.

Cornell University

He does not frequent this capital's outdoor cafes.

The New York Times

Accidents are not frequent, but happen every few years.

The Guardian

Escapes are not frequent, only some three or four having occurred the past year.

The New York Times

While violence is not frequent, conflict is "fairly commonplace," according to a 2005 MSPB survey.

The Washington Post

People close to both men have said such emails were not frequent.

The New York Times

She was not moved by the state lawyer's contention that inmates need not frequent the commissary.

The New York Times

The occurrences are not frequent enough to suggest they will impede Balotelli's development.

Independent

Today the Metro is very crowded, and bus service is not frequent enough.

The New York Times

But people who are not frequent bar-hoppers need other reasons to check in.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not frequent", consider whether a more concise synonym like "rare" or "uncommon" might improve clarity and flow in your writing. Choose the word that best fits the specific context and desired level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using double negatives when employing "not frequent". For example, instead of saying "It is not infrequent", which can confuse readers, opt for a more direct positive statement like "It is frequent" or "It is common" if that's what you mean. If not, synonyms of "not frequent" are preferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not frequent" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates the lack of frequency or occurrence of the subject being described. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to express rarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

40%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not frequent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote that something occurs rarely. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it functions as an adjective phrase, primarily employed to communicate the infrequency of events or situations across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. While synonyms such as "rare" and "uncommon" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and level of formality. Ludwig confirms that the expression is valid and useful in written English, as "aiResponseStatus": "RESPONSE_YES".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infrequent

Direct synonym emphasizing the lack of frequency.

not often

Simple phrasing directly conveying lack of frequency.

uncommon

A single word synonym denoting something not often found or experienced.

rare

Indicates a lower occurrence rate than "not frequent".

seldom

An adverb implying something happens only occasionally.

sporadic

Highlights the irregular and scattered nature of occurrences.

occasional

Suggests that something happens sporadically.

scarce

Implies limited availability or occurrence.

few and far between

Idiomatic expression indicating something is rare and dispersed.

unusual

Suggests something deviates from the norm in terms of frequency.

FAQs

What does "not frequent" mean?

The phrase "not frequent" means something that does not occur often; it is uncommon or rare. It's used to describe events, actions or occurrences that are sparse or happen infrequently.

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

You can use "not frequent" to describe anything that doesn't happen often. For example: "Visits from family are "not frequent" due to the distance."

What are some alternatives to saying "not frequent"?

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

Is it better to use "not frequent" or "infrequent"?

Both "not frequent" and "infrequent" are correct, but "infrequent" is often more concise. Choose the one that best fits the tone and flow of your writing.