rare breed

USAGE SUMMARY

'rare breed' is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used to describe something that is unique or rare. For example: "This particular breed of dog is a rare breed, it is difficult to come by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A rare breed indeed.

The Guardian - Sport

Maybe I'm a rare breed".

The New York Times

Natives like us are a rare breed.

The New Yorker

George North is a rare breed.

Independent

Derek was a rare breed of academic.

The Guardian

Good leaders are a rare breed.

The Guardian

Tom Chapin is a rare breed.

The New York Times

It's also rare breed, high-welfare pork.

The Guardian

"We received a Berkshire rare breed pig," Charlotte recalls.

The Guardian

There's not millions of them around, they're a rare breed.

The Guardian - Sport

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is a singing artist, a rare breed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rare breed", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the subject exceptional. Providing specific examples or qualities enhances the phrase's impact and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "rare breed" as a generic compliment. Instead, provide concrete details that justify why the subject is considered uncommon or exceptional. For example, instead of saying, "He's a rare breed of politician", specify the qualities that differentiate him from typical politicians.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rare breed" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicate nominative or appositive to describe a person, animal, or thing that is unique or exceptional within its category. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing people, animals, and even organizations deemed uncommon.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rare breed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe something exceptional or unique within its category. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral to slightly formal register. When using this phrase, make sure to provide context that justifies the claim of uniqueness and avoid overuse without proper substantiation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-regarded and appropriate for various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one of a kind

Highlights something's uniqueness but does not suggest belonging to a specific class of items.

distinct variety

Emphasizes the unique characteristics within a broader classification.

unique specimen

Refers to something special in terms of an example

uncommon type

Focuses on the infrequency of the type, differing from emphasizing inherent qualities.

atypical example

Describes something differing from the type.

unique individual

Highlights the distinctiveness of a person, rather than a group or type.

scarce example

Focuses on the limited availability of something

an uncommon occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency of its occurence

exceptional case

Emphasizes deviation from the norm as a specific instance.

unusual specimen

Highlights rarity, often in a scientific or observational context.

FAQs

How can I use "rare breed" in a sentence?

You can use "rare breed" to describe someone or something unique. For example, "She is a "rare breed" of scientist, combining fieldwork with advanced data analysis".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "rare breed"?

Alternatives include "unique individual", "exceptional case", or "distinct variety", depending on the specific context.

Is it always positive to call someone a "rare breed"?

While generally positive, the connotation can depend on the context. It usually implies admiration for unique qualities, but ensure the qualities are genuinely valued by the audience. Otherwise, it can be misinterpreted.

What makes "rare breed" different from "unique"?

"Unique" simply means one-of-a-kind. "Rare breed" implies not only uniqueness but also membership in a category where such exceptionality is uncommon. Thus, "rare breed" carries a stronger sense of scarcity and distinction.