rare example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rare example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an instance that is uncommon or not frequently encountered. Example: "This painting is a rare example of the artist's early work, showcasing a style that is seldom seen in their later pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Virginia Woolf was a rare example.

The New Yorker

Among the federations, that's a rare example.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a rare example of the phrase actually working.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is the rare example of great food television.

The New York Times - Food

It was a rare example of Maxwell wisdom.

The Guardian

A rare example of the "inspirational" book that actually is.

The Guardian - Books

It was a rare example of a striking Lansley soundbite.

The Guardian

It was a rare example of pure, not manufactured, virality.

The Guardian

Yeah, right (a rare example of two positives making a negative).

The New York Times

But SciClone seems to be a rare example of a company that has increased its sales.

The New York Times

(Ms. Shannon is a rare example of one who has built a viable midlevel career).

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rare example" to emphasize the exceptional or unusual nature of a specific instance, drawing attention to its deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "rare example" when "uncommon" or "atypical" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the rarity is a key aspect of the observation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rare example" functions as a noun phrase, where "rare" modifies "example". It serves to characterize a specific instance as being uncommon or exceptional, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rare example" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight instances that are uncommon or exceptional. As verified by Ludwig, its usage spans a range of contexts, primarily in news and media, but also appearing in scientific and formal business settings. While alternatives exist, such as "uncommon instance" or "exceptional case", "rare example" provides a clear and effective way to emphasize the infrequency of a given situation. It's important to use the phrase judiciously, reserving it for cases where the rarity is a significant aspect of the observation. Ludwig's examples showcase the versatility and appropriateness of this expression across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommon instance

Focuses on the infrequency of the occurrence, emphasizing rarity.

infrequent example

Highlights the low frequency with which the example appears.

scarce instance

Underscores the limited availability or presence of similar events.

exceptional case

Highlights the unusual nature of the situation, suggesting it deviates from the norm.

singular case

Focuses on the unique and individual nature of the case.

unique occurrence

Stresses the distinct and unparalleled nature of the event.

remarkable instance

Highlights the noteworthiness and unusual quality of the example.

isolated incident

Emphasizes the singularity and detachment of the event from typical patterns.

atypical illustration

Emphasizes how the example deviates from the standard or typical.

uncommon demonstration

Highlights the rarity of the display or exhibition of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "rare example" to highlight instances that are not commonly observed. For example: "This painting is a "rare example" of the artist's early style".

What's a less formal way to say "rare example"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "uncommon case" or "odd instance" to convey a similar meaning in a less formal setting.

What can I say instead of "rare example"?

You can use alternatives like "uncommon instance", "exceptional case", or "unique occurrence" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "rare example" interchangeable with "unusual example"?

While similar, "unusual example" emphasizes deviation from the norm, whereas ""rare example"" specifically highlights its infrequency.