not often worn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not often worn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe clothing or accessories that are infrequently used or put on. Example: "This dress is beautiful, but it's not often worn because I have no occasion for it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Before that, boats leaked, engines were unreliable or inflammable, radios crackled, and safety harnesses were not often worn.

The Economist

The Kiwis, meanwhile, are playing to preserve the title of No 1 in the world – a badge they have not often worn in this code of rugby.

Independent

Although jewelery is not often worn for safety reason, that doesn't stop you using a bright coloured hair bobble, or even a ribbon to accessorize your hair.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Brown doesn't often wear purple.

The Guardian

I don't often wear my heart on my sleeve.

The Guardian

Yet, to be honest, she doesn't often wear it.

The New York Times - Style

I don't often wear matronly clothes," she writes.

The New York Times

But I don't often wear a skirt.

The Guardian

She owns some," she added wistfully, "but she doesn't often wear them".

The New Yorker

Like Linda, who died in 1998, McCartney doesn't often wear makeup or fuss with her hair (though she doesn't go so far as to cut it herself, as her mother did) or worry much about her critics.

The New York Times - Magazine

I quickly slipped into my nude ensemble, a color I don't often wear because of my pale complexion but the two -piece was to die for, and Lizzy's taste is impeccable.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative writing, this phrase can add a touch of characterization, suggesting something about the wearer's habits or the item's significance.

Common error

While "not often worn" is grammatically sound, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms like "rarely worn" or describing why the item isn't worn often.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not often worn" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun (usually an item of clothing or an accessory). It indicates that the item in question is used or worn infrequently. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66.66%

Wiki

33.33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not often worn" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that effectively conveys the infrequent use of an item, typically clothing or accessories. While Ludwig AI confirms it is correct, its usage is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "rarely worn" or "seldom used" for a more formal tone. When writing, avoid overuse to maintain variety in your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Seldom used

Replaces "often" with "seldom", indicating a low frequency of use.

Rarely worn

Substitutes "often" with "rarely", emphasizing the infrequency of wearing something.

Infrequently worn

Uses "infrequently" in place of "not often", maintaining the same meaning with a more formal tone.

Not frequently worn

Employs "frequently" instead of "often", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

Uncommonly worn

Uses the adverb "uncommonly" to express the rarity of being worn.

Occasionally worn

Indicates that something is worn only from time to time, in contrast to regularly.

Sp seldom donned

Replaces "worn" with "donned" and "often" with "seldom" suggesting a more elegant or old-fashioned tone.

Worn on rare occasions

This option is a more descriptive phrase indicating use only on special or infrequent events.

Not a common sight

Shifts the focus to the visibility or prevalence, implying it's rarely seen being worn.

Not in regular rotation

Implies that the item is not part of the usual selection of things worn.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not often worn" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "infrequently worn" or "seldom used". These alternatives convey the same meaning with a slightly elevated vocabulary.

What's a simpler way to say "not often worn"?

A simpler way to express the same idea is to say "rarely worn" or "not frequently worn". These options are more straightforward and easier to understand.

Is it correct to say "not worn often" instead of "not often worn"?

While "not worn often" is understandable, "not often worn" is the more grammatically standard and commonly used phrasing. The placement of "often" before "worn" sounds more natural in English.

When should I use "not often worn" versus "rarely worn"?

Both phrases are suitable for describing items that are infrequently used. "Not often worn" might be preferred when you want to subtly emphasize the 'often' part, whereas "rarely worn" is more direct in expressing infrequency.