rare find

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rare find" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is uncommon or difficult to come across, often referring to valuable items or unique experiences. Example: "After searching for months, I finally discovered a rare find at the antique shop: a vintage watch from the 1920s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"This is such a rare find.

The New York Times

Actually, Morrison is a rare find in tennis.

The New York Times - Sports

"It would be an extremely rare find," said one expert.

The New York Times

You probably could, but it's a rare find".

The Guardian

"A rare find" was a two-bedroom on Irving Place.

The New York Times

A "rare find" is how he describes her.

The Guardian

While there may be others out there, the new piece is a rare find.

The Guardian - Music

catshostel.com, from £12 a night This is a rare find on the European hostel scene.

The Guardian - Travel

He's a rare find: an ironist who actually seems to like other people.

The New York Times - Books

Like many of the Macklowes' properties, it is highly regarded and a rare find in Midtown.

The New York Times

Scholars said an ark as old as this was a rare find.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rare find", ensure the context clearly establishes what makes the find rare, whether it's scarcity, uniqueness, or value.

Common error

Avoid using "rare find" to describe something that is easily obtainable or commonly encountered, as this diminishes the phrase's impact and accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rare find" functions as a noun phrase where "rare" modifies the noun "find". Ludwig AI confirms it's a common way to describe something valuable or unique that is not easily encountered. It typically serves as a complement or object in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rare find" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something uncommon, valuable, or unique. As Ludwig AI confirms, it frequently appears in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the item's actual rarity to maintain accuracy and impact. Consider alternatives like "unique discovery" or "precious discovery" to add nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively employ "rare find" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precious discovery

Emphasizes the value and importance of the discovery.

unique discovery

Highlights the one-of-a-kind nature of the finding.

uncommon discovery

Focuses on the infrequency of such a finding.

exceptional discovery

Stresses the superior quality of the discovery.

scarce discovery

Indicates the limited availability of the finding.

unusual discovery

Highlights the atypical nature of what was found.

valuable discovery

Focuses on the worth or significance of the discovery.

extraordinary discovery

Emphasizes the remarkable character of the finding.

singular find

Highlights the unique and individual nature of the discovery.

seldom seen item

Focuses on the infrequency of seeing such an item.

FAQs

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

You can use "rare find" to describe something uncommon or exceptional, such as "The antique shop had a "rare find" – a first edition of the novel."

What are some alternatives to "rare find"?

Alternatives include "unique discovery", "precious discovery", or "uncommon discovery", depending on the specific context.

What makes something qualify as a "rare find"?

A "rare find" is something that is not commonly available or easily discovered, often due to its age, condition, or uniqueness.

Is "scarce find" a suitable substitute for "rare find"?

Yes, "scarce find" can be a suitable substitute, as both terms imply that the item or discovery is not easily found or obtained, though "rare" often suggests a higher degree of uniqueness or value.