quite uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rare or not frequently encountered. Example: "While many people enjoy classical music, the appreciation for avant-garde compositions is quite uncommon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Looking at the pattern of this infection, it is actually quite uncommon in young children".

The Guardian

In reality, according to a new study, trials have become quite uncommon.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

But with most blacks and whites still living in separate communities, even interracial friendships remain quite uncommon.

The New York Times

It's a weekly magazine which has always tried to do things quite uncommon in France; that is mixing the serious and the not so serious.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ordinarily, the Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Ocean are dominated by high pressure, so having a low pressure system form and intensify here is quite uncommon.

The New York Times

While deaths from MDMA are now quite uncommon following the instigation of health-promotion regulations such as free water and chill-out rooms in dance clubs, they are still very regrettable and hugely distressing to family and friends.

The Guardian - Opinion

"If you think of previous Espionage Act cases, it is quite uncommon for a defendant to have a community of support," said Steven Aftergood, a government secrecy specialist with the Federation of American Scientists.

The New York Times

However, this programming paradigm is quite uncommon and restrictive.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

D_CALLAHAN: MBAs were indeed quite uncommon back then.

Forbes

Using text messages (M = 1.16) and Facebook (M = 1.12) was quite uncommon for seeking help from instructors.

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite uncommon" to subtly emphasize that something is less frequent than expected, but not entirely unheard of. It adds a nuanced degree of rarity compared to simply stating 'uncommon'.

Common error

Avoid using "quite uncommon" when describing something that is almost nonexistent. Opt for stronger terms like "extremely rare" or "virtually nonexistent" to more accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite uncommon" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to describe the degree of infrequency of the noun it modifies. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite uncommon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase to describe something that is not common or frequent, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for broad audiences. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a state of moderate infrequency, avoiding exaggeration for truly exceptional or nonexistent instances. Consider using alternatives such as "relatively rare" or "fairly unusual" to fine-tune your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively rare

Emphasizes the infrequency of occurrence.

fairly unusual

Highlights the deviation from the norm.

somewhat infrequent

Suggests a moderate level of infrequency.

distinctly atypical

Focuses on the departure from the typical.

not particularly common

States the lack of commonality.

rather exceptional

Indicates an instance that stands out.

noticeably scarce

Highlights the limited availability or presence.

moderately rare

Expresses the moderate infrequency

slightly out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the minor deviation from normality.

unusually limited

Highlights a significant restriction or scarcity.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite uncommon" to describe something that is not frequently seen or experienced. For example, "Deaths from MDMA are now "quite uncommon" due to health-promotion regulations".

What is a good alternative to "quite uncommon"?

Alternatives include "fairly unusual", "relatively rare", or "somewhat infrequent". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of rarity you want to convey.

Is it more accurate to say "quite uncommon" or "very rare"?

"Quite uncommon" suggests something is less frequent than average but still occurs, while "very rare" indicates an occurrence that is highly infrequent and exceptional. The choice depends on the actual frequency of the subject being described.

What's the difference between "quite uncommon" and "completely unheard of"?

"Quite uncommon" means something is not frequently encountered. "Completely unheard of", on the other hand, suggests something is entirely unknown or unprecedented. The former implies rarity, while the latter suggests non-existence or a lack of prior knowledge.