rarely able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rarely able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something does not often have the capability or opportunity to do something. Example: "She is rarely able to attend the meetings due to her busy schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Rarely able to switch off completely.

The Guardian

To his chagrin, he was rarely able to ambush guerrillas.

The New Yorker

The listeners were rarely able to detect the switchovers.

The New York Times

Bigger, more generic services are rarely able to achieve this profile or these 'self-referrals'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Women can improve their status by "marrying up"; men are rarely able to do so.

The Guardian

The new management of these enterprises was rarely able to keep them alive.

The New Yorker

But except in our favorites, we were rarely able to discern specific fruit flavors.

The New York Times - Food

I was rarely able to function for more than a few hours a day.

The New York Times

POPE JOHN PAUL II, frail with Parkinson's at age 83, is rarely able to celebrate mass.

The New York Times

The Giants' wide receivers were rarely able to shake their defenders.

The New York Times - Sports

During our stay, we were rarely able to detect the nearby hills from our apartment window.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "rarely able to", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the limited ability. Provide specific details or explanations to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "rarely able to" when "never able to" or "unable to" is more accurate. "Rarely able to" implies occasional capability, while "never able to" suggests a complete lack of ability. Using the right qualifier ensures your writing is precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rarely able to" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a verb, indicating a limited capacity or infrequent opportunity to perform an action. As shown in Ludwig, it describes situations where the subject has the potential, but constraints limit its execution.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rarely able to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a limited capacity or infrequent opportunity to perform an action. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While seemingly straightforward, nuances in context and alternative phrasing can significantly impact the precision of your writing. Pay attention to the subtle differences between "rarely able to", similar expressions, and more definitive terms like "unable to" or "never able to" to ensure that your writing accurately conveys the intended meaning. As the examples show, this phrase is common in contexts such as News & Media and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seldom capable of

Replaces "able" with "capable", altering the wording while maintaining a similar meaning of limited ability.

not usually competent to

Replaces "able" with "competent", emphasizing the lack of the required skills or qualifications.

infrequently equipped to

Substitutes "able" with "equipped", emphasizing a lack of resources or preparedness.

not often in a position to

Focuses on a lack of opportunity rather than inherent ability.

uncommonly equipped for

Uses "equipped" emphasizing the unusual nature of ability.

hardly ever manages to

Shifts the focus to the outcome, emphasizing infrequent success.

almost never in the capacity to

Emphasizes the absence of the power or opportunity required.

seldom in the possibility to

Emphasizes the lack of conditions in which one has the chance of doing something

scarcely in a state to

Emphasizes a deficient condition or state that prevents action.

unlikely to be in a condition to

Highlights the improbability of being in a suitable state for a specific action.

FAQs

What does "rarely able to" mean?

The phrase "rarely able to" indicates that someone or something has limited capacity or opportunity to do something. It suggests that the ability exists but is not frequently realized.

How can I use "rarely able to" in a sentence?

You can use "rarely able to" to describe a situation where someone or something is not often capable of performing an action. For example: "Due to budget constraints, the company is "rarely able to" invest in new technologies."

What are some alternatives to "rarely able to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "seldom capable of", "infrequently equipped to", or "not often in a position to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "rarely able to" and "not able to"?

Yes, "rarely able to" suggests the ability exists but is infrequently utilized or possible, while "not able to" implies a complete lack of ability or possibility. The former indicates a limitation in frequency, the latter a fundamental inability.