rare case

USAGE SUMMARY

"rare case" is correct and usable in written English.
You might use it to describe an infrequent situation or uncommon occurrence. For example, "The toxic insect bite was a rare case that the doctor had only seen once before in his medical career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

But he's a rare case.

The New York Times

Kiwanuka is not a rare case.

Independent

But Red Hat is a rare case.

The New York Times - Tech

But this is a rare case.

The New York Times

This is a rare case of some justice being done.

The Guardian - Opinion

Call it a rare case of trans-Atlantic convergence.

The New York Times

Dylan Klebold was an extreme and rare case.

The New York Times

It's a rare case where endorsements could backfire.

The New York Times

(In this rare case, according to Tyco, it's the investors who took a bath).

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Rare cases can be fatal.

The New York Times

These are the rare cases.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "rare case" in formal writing, ensure the surrounding language maintains a professional and objective tone.

Common error

Avoid using "rare case" hyperbolically. Ensure that the situation genuinely deviates from the norm to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rare case" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific instance that deviates from the norm. As Ludwig suggests, it's used to describe an infrequent or uncommon occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rare case" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, primarily employed to emphasize the exceptional nature of a specific instance or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for describing infrequent or uncommon occurrences. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, its register is generally neutral to professional. When using this phrase, ensure the described situation genuinely deviates from the norm to maintain credibility and avoid hyperbolic statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon situation

Focuses on the infrequency of the situation.

exceptional instance

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm.

infrequent occurrence

Highlights how seldom something happens.

isolated incident

Stresses the lack of connection to other events.

atypical example

Underscores the non-representative nature.

unusual event

Focuses on the deviation from typical events.

extraordinary circumstance

Emphasizes the remarkable nature of the situation.

outlier situation

Highlights a statistical deviation.

aberrant situation

Emphasizes deviation from the standard or expected.

unique occurrence

Highlights the singularity and distinctiveness of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "rare case" to describe an unusual situation. For example, "This instance of complete consensus is a "rare case" in this contentious debate".

What phrases are similar to "rare case"?

Similar phrases include "uncommon situation", "exceptional instance", or "infrequent occurrence", each carrying slightly different connotations.

Is it always appropriate to use "rare case" in formal writing?

Yes, "rare case" is suitable for formal writing, especially when supported by evidence or data that confirms the unusual nature of the situation. Consider using more precise language depending on the specific field (e.g., "statistical outlier").

What's the difference between "rare case" and "uncommon situation"?

While similar, "rare case" often implies a specific instance or example, whereas "uncommon situation" may refer to a broader set of circumstances. The choice depends on whether you are highlighting a specific event or a general condition.