pretty uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not very common or frequently encountered. Example: "While many people enjoy classical music, opera is considered pretty uncommon among the younger generation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

"States with local scenic road designations are pretty uncommon, actually," Mr. Foote said.

The New York Times

Where I grew up in south London, it was pretty uncommon to find someone who didn't at least smoke weed.

The Guardian

Those -30C days do happen in Winnipeg, but they are pretty uncommon; yet we allow the deep freeze days to characterise an entire winter.

The Guardian

"It is all so sort of visible in one year in New York, and that's pretty uncommon," said Todd Haimes, the artistic director of the Roundabout Theater Company, which produced "Cabaret" and was to produce "Assassins".

The New York Times

"I think it is safe to say, on a scientific level and a sociological level, for almost a dozen tornadoes to affect the most populated area of the state in a two-week period is pretty uncommon," said Kevin Brown, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Norman, Okla.

The New York Times

Readings as low as this one are pretty uncommon; counting this latest one, there have been 22 going back to the beginning of 2006.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"We thought it was pretty, and it was quite uncommon," she said.

The New York Times

Pittsburgh opened this second-round Midwest Regional matchup in uncommon fashion: playing pretty.

The New York Times - Sports

Whether it's a ritzy art opening, high-powered benefit or, perhaps most telling of all, a big fat Indian wedding, it's no longer uncommon to see pretty young women wearing sexier saris to accentuate their trim figures.

The New York Times

Relic falls victim to a problem that is hardly uncommon and is a pretty easy trap to fall in to.

The Guardian - Books

And although France is at this point pretty definitively postrevolutionary, it's still uncommon to see a French film that does full justice to the bloodbath in which the republic was born.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pretty uncommon" to describe something that is noticeably less frequent or typical than expected. Avoid using it for extremely rare occurrences; consider stronger alternatives in those cases.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty uncommon" when describing something that is virtually nonexistent. This can mislead readers into thinking the occurrence is more frequent than it actually is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty uncommon" functions as a qualifier, specifically an adverb-adjective combination, modifying the degree to which something is uncommon. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pretty uncommon" is a commonly used phrase to describe something that is somewhat rare or infrequent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, particularly news and media. While it may not be suitable for highly formal writing, it serves well in neutral and informal communication. Consider related phrases like "fairly unusual" or "somewhat rare" to fine-tune the degree of infrequency you wish to convey. Remember to avoid overstating rarity by using "pretty uncommon" for events that are virtually non-existent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fairly unusual

Indicates a slightly different level of rarity; focuses more on deviation from the norm.

somewhat rare

Highlights the scarcity of something.

rather infrequent

Emphasizes the lack of frequency.

not very typical

Shifts the focus to the atypical nature of something.

quite exceptional

Suggests a higher degree of deviation from the norm, implying uniqueness.

relatively scarce

Like "somewhat rare", it highlights scarcity.

moderately unusual

Similar to "fairly unusual", but with a slightly different nuance.

not particularly common

Emphasizes the lack of commonness with a slightly more formal tone.

a bit out of the ordinary

Highlights the deviation from the usual or expected.

distinctly atypical

Suggests a clear departure from what is considered typical.

FAQs

How can I use "pretty uncommon" in a sentence?

You can use "pretty uncommon" to describe events, situations, or characteristics that are not frequently observed. For example, "It's pretty uncommon to see snow in July".

What's a good alternative to "pretty uncommon"?

Alternatives include "fairly unusual", "somewhat rare", or "rather infrequent", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it okay to use "pretty uncommon" in formal writing?

While "pretty uncommon" is generally acceptable, it's more suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "relatively scarce" or "not particularly common".

What makes something "pretty uncommon" versus just "uncommon"?

The addition of "pretty" softens the statement, suggesting that while something is not typical, it's not exceptionally rare. It implies a moderate degree of infrequency.