only very rarely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only very rarely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or action that occurs infrequently or seldom. Example: "I only very rarely go out to eat, preferring to cook at home instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Only very rarely does the Fondation Maeght invite an outsider to dream up an exhibit.

The New York Times

Only very rarely is the posterior lost and the anterior retained.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rules are largely self-policed and the regulator gets involved only very rarely.

The Economist

And yet, only very rarely are inmates ever granted a new trial because of incompetent counsel.

The New York Times

He only very rarely refers to his books, or other writing projects, either.

The New York Times - Books

Neutrinos are ghostlike particles that interact only very rarely with the rest of the universe.

The New York Times - Science

Ultimately, the epidemic fizzled out, and sporadic cases now occur only very rarely.

The New York Times - Health

In the UK they have been used only very rarely in other policy areas.

The Guardian

As a result, cities across the developed world experience wildfires only very rarely.

The Guardian

But only very rarely did people forget whether a player was male or female.

The New York Times

"My father talked only very rarely about the shop in Jaffa.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only very rarely" to emphasize the infrequency of an event, particularly when contrasting it with a more common occurrence. This phrase adds a nuanced layer to your writing by suggesting the possibility, however slim, of the event happening.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of "only very rarely" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hardly ever" or "almost never" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only very rarely" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the frequency with which an action or event occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only very rarely" functions as an adverbial modifier used to emphasize that something happens infrequently, but not never. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. It is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the tone of your writing when using "only very rarely", as it can come across as overly formal in informal settings. Alternatives such as "hardly ever" or "almost never" might be more appropriate in casual conversation. Remember to emphasize nuance when expressing infrequency, choosing the phrase that best fits the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost never

This alternative uses stronger terms to emphasize the infrequency.

hardly ever

This is a more informal and common substitute.

scarcely ever

This option adds a slightly more formal tone.

infrequently

This alternative provides a single-word replacement, suitable for formal contexts.

seldom

A concise and slightly old-fashioned synonym.

on rare occasions

This phrases highlights the exceptional nature of the event.

not very often

A more verbose but clear alternative.

exceptionally infrequently

This alternative increases emphasis on the infrequency by using multiple adverbs.

almost uniquely

This suggests a circumstance is nearly one of a kind.

uncommonly

This provides a simpler one-word substitution focusing on the unusual nature.

FAQs

How can I use "only very rarely" in a sentence?

The phrase "only very rarely" is used to indicate that something happens infrequently. For example, "I "only very rarely" eat fast food because it's not healthy."

What are some alternatives to "only very rarely"?

You can use alternatives like "hardly ever", "almost never", or "infrequently" instead of ""only very rarely"" depending on the desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "only very rarely" or "very rarely only"?

"Only very rarely" is the standard and more grammatically sound construction. "Very rarely only" is less common and can sound awkward.

What's the difference between "only very rarely" and "rarely"?

While both indicate infrequency, ""only very rarely"" emphasizes the exceptional nature of the occurrence more strongly than simply saying "rarely".