relatively uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "relatively uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not frequently encountered or observed, but is not entirely rare. Example: "While many people enjoy popular music, classical compositions are relatively uncommon in today's mainstream culture."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rheumatic fever is relatively uncommon but serious.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neuropathic pain is relatively uncommon in children.

Stanford University

Live donor liver transplants are relatively uncommon.

The New York Times

My Chinese surname "Long" 龙 is relatively uncommon.

Cornell University

The taping of interrogations is still relatively uncommon.

The New York Times

Such occurrences are relatively uncommon, according to Buchanan.

The Washington Post

Indeed, sequencing of tumors remains a relatively uncommon practice.

MIT Technology Review

However, its use in the nasal region remains relatively uncommon.

Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery

Symptomatic disorders around the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) are relatively uncommon.

Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery

Carcinoma of the retromolar trigone is relatively uncommon.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, and Endodontology

Submandibular gland obstruction caused by foreign body is relatively uncommon.

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "relatively uncommon" to introduce a topic or phenomenon that exists but isn't often observed. This sets a context of measured rarity without implying complete absence.

Common error

Avoid using "relatively uncommon" when the subject is actually quite rare or practically nonexistent. This can mislead readers into thinking it occurs more often than it does.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "relatively uncommon" functions as an adjectival modifier, specifically grading or qualifying the adjective it precedes. It's used to indicate that something is less frequent than average, but not exceptionally rare. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

35%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "relatively uncommon" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that occurs less often than average, but is not entirely rare. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in scientific, news, and academic contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for a broad audience. When writing, use it to introduce a topic that exists but isn't frequently observed, setting a measured context of rarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not particularly common

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

somewhat rare

Indicates a slightly stronger degree of infrequency than "relatively uncommon".

infrequent to some degree

A more verbose way of saying "relatively uncommon", adding a layer of precision.

comparatively infrequent

Uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the comparison to other frequencies.

not especially widespread

Emphasizes the limited distribution or prevalence.

moderately unusual

Highlights the deviation from the norm rather than just low frequency.

less prevalent

Indicates a lower degree of existing or occurring widely.

somewhat atypical

Focuses on the lack of typicality rather than the frequency of occurrence.

fairly scarce

Implies a limited availability or occurrence.

rather exceptional

Suggests that something is an exception to the general rule.

FAQs

How can I use "relatively uncommon" in a sentence?

You can use "relatively uncommon" to describe something that occurs less frequently than others, but isn't entirely rare. For example, "While severe side effects are possible, they are "relatively uncommon" with this medication".

What are some alternatives to "relatively uncommon"?

Alternatives include "somewhat rare", "comparatively infrequent", or "moderately unusual", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "relatively uncommon", or should I use "rare"?

"Relatively uncommon" implies a lower frequency compared to something else, whereas "rare" suggests something is inherently scarce. Use "relatively uncommon" when making a comparison; use "rare" when describing an absolute scarcity.

What's the difference between "relatively uncommon" and "uncommon"?

"Uncommon" simply means not common, while "relatively uncommon" suggests it's less common when compared to something else. The term "relatively" adds a comparative aspect.