rare occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

"rare occurrence" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that does not happen often, for example: This is a rare occurrence, so take advantage of it while you can.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Encephalitis is a rare occurrence.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was a rare occurrence.

The New Yorker

Art is a rare occurrence.

The New York Times

That is a very rare occurrence.

The New York Times - Books

It was such a rare occurrence.

The New Yorker

"It was a rare occurrence," Clarke said.

The New Yorker

"This was a rare occurrence," he said.

The New York Times

This is not a rare occurrence.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was hardly a rare occurrence.

The New York Times

"Back to back is a rare occurrence," Madden said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I think the tigers escaping is a very rare occurrence".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "rare occurrence", provide sufficient context to explain why it is unusual. This helps the reader understand its significance.

Common error

Avoid using "rare occurrence" when a situation is simply undesirable but not statistically uncommon. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact. Ensure the event truly deviates from the norm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rare occurrence" is to act as a noun phrase that describes something infrequent or unusual. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to categorize an event or situation based on its frequency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rare occurrence" is a widely used phrase that describes something infrequent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, as highlighted by the frequent usage in news and media and science. When using this phrase, ensure that the event truly deviates from the norm to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "uncommon event" or "infrequent incident" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

infrequent incident

Changes the noun from 'occurrence' to 'incident', which is similar but might imply a more specific event.

uncommon event

Substitutes both words with synonyms; 'uncommon' for 'rare' and 'event' for 'occurrence'.

scarce instance

Replaces 'rare' with 'scarce' and 'occurrence' with 'instance', highlighting the limited availability.

exceptional case

Shifts the focus to the uniqueness of the situation rather than its infrequency.

isolated situation

Emphasizes the singularity and lack of connection to other similar events.

unprecedented situation

Highlights the novelty and lack of prior examples.

out of the ordinary event

Describes the event as deviating from what is typical or expected.

once in a blue moon

An idiomatic expression indicating very low frequency.

seldom seen

Focuses on the visibility and observation of the event, implying infrequency.

few and far between

An idiomatic expression indicating events that are infrequent and widely spaced.

FAQs

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

You can use "rare occurrence" to describe events that don't happen often. For example, "Snow in July is a "rare occurrence" in this region."

What are some alternatives to "rare occurrence"?

Some alternatives include "uncommon event", "infrequent incident", or "scarce instance", depending on the specific context.

Is "rare occurrence" formal or informal?

"Rare occurrence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language than the phrase itself.

What makes something a "rare occurrence"?

A "rare occurrence" is defined by its low frequency. It deviates significantly from typical expectations and established patterns.