rarely running

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rarely running" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that does not happen often, particularly in contexts related to running or operating something infrequently. Example: "The machine is rarely running, which is why we need to schedule maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

La Fontaine's talent, though, was to create satires and minidramas in verses as short as a sonnet and rarely running more than 30 lines.

The New York Times

Kennedy looked to receive passes to feet, whilst Cahill, as he so often does, received with his back to goal and moved into deeper areas with the ball before returning to the shoulder of the last defender but rarely running in behind.

The Guardian - Sport

The porn film industry is much like the Hollywood film industry: women are very rarely the protagonist and very rarely running the porn show.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But recoveries rarely run smoothly.

The Economist

Kennedy rarely runs indoors.

The New York Times - Sports

Running a business rarely runs smoothly.

The Guardian

He rarely runs on the road.

The Guardian - Sport

THOSE good at running money rarely run companies well.

The Economist

The Bruins rarely ran set plays for their shooters.

The New York Times - Sports

And the batteries rarely run down and last longer.

The New York Times

Mr. McMahon rarely ran the risk of upstaging Carson.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the operation of equipment or machinery, use "rarely running" to indicate infrequent usage or activity. For example, "The backup generator is rarely running, so its reliability is uncertain."

Common error

Avoid using "rarely running" when describing something that should ideally be running constantly. Instead, consider using phrases that highlight the need for more consistent operation. For example, instead of "The security system is rarely running", use "The security system is frequently offline" to emphasize the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rarely running" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the frequency of an action. It indicates that something is not operating or in motion very often. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "rarely running" is a grammatically correct construction used to describe something that infrequently operates or is in motion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is both valid and usable in written English. While not a very common expression, with only three examples found, its usage is primarily concentrated in news and media contexts. Alternative phrases, such as "infrequently operating" or "seldom functioning", offer similar meanings but may vary slightly in emphasis. When using "rarely running", ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of infrequent activity, particularly when describing the functionality of equipment or processes. The phrase is most effective in neutral to slightly formal registers, avoiding overuse in scenarios that demand continuous operation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hardly ever running

Replaces "rarely" with "hardly ever", offering a slightly more emphatic way of expressing infrequency.

almost never running

Uses a more emphatic and common way of saying "rarely", maintaining a similar meaning.

infrequently operating

Replaces "running" with "operating" to focus on the action of something being used, while "infrequently" maintains the sense of rarity.

seldom functioning

"Seldom" replaces "rarely" with a synonym, and "functioning" replaces "running" to emphasize operational status rather than literal movement.

not often in operation

Emphasizes the state of being operational rather than the act of running, with a more descriptive phrase for infrequency.

uncommonly active

Focuses on the activity level, using "uncommonly" to convey rarity instead of "rarely".

sporadically running

"Sporadically" suggests irregular intervals of running, adding a nuance of unpredictability.

occasionally running

"Occasionally" means something happens sometimes, but not often, changing the degree of infrequency.

infrequently used

Shifts the focus from the action of "running" to the state of being "used", implying that the subject is not often utilized.

scarcely in motion

Emphasizes the lack of movement, using "scarcely" for rarity and "in motion" as an alternative to "running".

FAQs

What does "rarely running" mean?

The phrase "rarely running" means that something is not operating or moving very often. It suggests a low frequency of activity or use.

How can I use "rarely running" in a sentence?

You can use "rarely running" to describe machines, systems, or even personal habits. For example, "The old engine is "rarely running" due to frequent breakdowns".

What are some alternatives to "rarely running"?

Alternatives include "infrequently operating", "seldom functioning", or "not often in operation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "rarely running" grammatically correct?

Yes, "rarely running" is grammatically correct. It combines an adverb of frequency ("rarely") with a present participle ("running") to describe an action that occurs infrequently. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.