not frequently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not frequently" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an adverb to describe something that happens or is done infrequently or rarely. Example: "I do not frequently go to the movies, but when I do, I like to see comedies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I have seen him, not recently and not frequently.

The Guardian

This honour is not frequently bestowed on books about surfing.

The Guardian - Sport

There are bombs and attacks, but not frequently.

The New York Times

On Wednesday, Elizabeth wrote about a topic not frequently raised on the Bench: feelings.

The New Yorker

If they are not frequently emptied, how can they be filled?

The New Yorker

Wannstedt said Williams did not frequently play on third downs until three games ago.

The New York Times - Sports

One tune not frequently heard on Fifth Avenue is "I Love a Parade".

The New York Times

Cameron has acknowledged that he met Coulson since his resignation, but "not recently and not frequently".

The Guardian

"Not frequently, not long in the grand context of my life," Mr. Spitzer replied.

The New York Times

Those studied in 2014 in Scotland were not frequently required to switch between their languages.

The Economist

Whether trained domestically or not, top English clubs do not frequently use young players.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the unexpected nature of an event, pair "not frequently" with adverbs like "ever" or "usually" (e.g., "It is not frequently ever this crowded.").

Common error

While grammatically correct, "not frequently" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for "not often" or "rarely" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not frequently" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating how often an action occurs or a state exists. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to express that something happens rarely or seldom, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not frequently" is a grammatically sound phrase used as an adverbial modifier to indicate that something occurs rarely. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English. While it appears across various contexts, it is most common in scientific and news media sources. When choosing between "not frequently" and alternatives like "rarely" or "infrequently", consider the desired level of formality and conciseness. Using the single-word synonyms is generally recommended for formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infrequently

Single-word synonym offering a more concise alternative.

rarely

Emphasizes the scarcity of occurrence.

seldom

Similar to rarely, suggesting an uncommon occurrence.

not often

A more direct and common alternative.

occasionally

Indicates something happens sometimes, but not regularly.

from time to time

Suggests irregular intervals of occurrence.

once in a while

Similar to "from time to time", implying less regularity.

not habitually

Focuses on the lack of a consistent habit.

sporadically

Highlights the irregular and scattered nature of occurrences.

on rare occasions

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "not frequently" to indicate that something does not happen often. For example, "I do "not frequently" visit that part of town."

What can I say instead of "not frequently"?

You can use alternatives like "rarely", "seldom", or "infrequently" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "not frequently" or "infrequently"?

Both "not frequently" and "infrequently" are correct, but "infrequently" is more concise and often preferred in formal writing.

What's the difference between "not frequently" and "occasionally"?

"Not frequently" implies a lower rate of occurrence than "occasionally". "Occasionally" suggests something happens sometimes, while "not frequently" suggests it almost never happens.