scarce sight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scarce sight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rarely seen or not commonly encountered. Example: "In the bustling city, a quiet park is a scarce sight amidst the concrete jungle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The result of these changes has seen legal travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens rise, though the effect of this is yet to be felt on the ground with Americans a scarce sight.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But jobs are still very scarce, with little relief in sight.

The New York Times

In "Bye-Bye, Bush Boom" (column, July 6), Paul Krugman claims that "jobs are still very scarce, with little relief in sight".

The New York Times

Near here, where the path climbs into a much-loved beech wood planted in 1840, Macfarlane saw that scarce raptor swoop on its prey: an improbable sighting around here, and a first for him.

Independent

We walked just beyond Lismorahaun until we saw the little beech wood, a sight always surprising in our tree-scarce Burren but a reminder of its once tree-clad hills.

The Guardian

Admittedly, conventional tourist sights along the lines of West London's imposing museums are scarce, and the area is pockmarked by postwar housing projects that replaced row houses, factories and wharves demolished by German bombers.

The New York Times - Travel

Tiny birds that used to be scarce in the frosty New England weather Carolina wrens (above), chipping sparrows, and yellow-rumped warblers have become an increasingly common sight.

Science Magazine

(Bookings scarce).

The New Yorker

However, with vacant land scarce in Manhattan and rezoning passed last year raising height limitations on the avenues, it's logical that developers would set their sights on East Harlem.

The New York Times

They don't need to take over, but a longer lawn scattered with them is a beautiful sight to behold and the dandelion in particular is a godsend to bees early in the year when other nectar sources are scarce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Decent dismounts were scarce.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "scarce sight" to emphasize the rarity and potential desirability of something. It's particularly effective when describing something that stands out due to its infrequency in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "scarce sight" to describe everyday occurrences. Its impact is diminished if applied to something that isn't genuinely rare or unusual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scarce sight" functions as an adjective-noun combination. It describes a noun (sight) by attributing to it the quality of being "scarce". Ludwig shows the phrase can describe something unusual or rare.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "scarce sight" is a phrase used to describe something that is rarely seen or encountered. As Ludwig AI shows, it's grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts. While not overly common, its usage is appropriate for emphasizing the rarity of a visual experience or object. To enhance your writing, use it to highlight something truly unusual and avoid overuse in commonplace situations. Alternatives such as "rare spectacle" or "uncommon view" can provide variety while maintaining a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare spectacle

This alternative emphasizes the uniqueness and infrequency of the visual event.

uncommon view

This alternative uses a more neutral term (view) and focuses on the lack of commonality.

infrequent scene

This alternative highlights the low occurrence of the scene or event.

seldom seen

This alternative shifts the focus to the act of seeing, emphasizing that the object is not often observed.

unusual vista

This alternative is more specific to landscape views, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the scene.

exceptional glimpse

This alternative implies that seeing is remarkable and out of the ordinary.

limited visibility

This alternative focuses on the lack of opportunities to see something, rather than the rarity of the thing itself.

sporadic appearance

This alternative emphasizes the irregular nature of something's occurrence

isolated instance

This alternative highlight the object's singularity and lack of repetition.

infrequent occurence

This alternative focuses on how often that "sight" happens

FAQs

How can I use "scarce sight" in a sentence?

You can use "scarce sight" to describe something that is rarely seen or not commonly encountered. For example, "In the bustling city, a quiet park is a "scarce sight" amidst the concrete jungle."

What can I say instead of "scarce sight"?

Alternatives to "scarce sight" include "rare spectacle", "uncommon view", or "infrequent scene", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "scarce sight" formal or informal?

"Scarce sight" leans towards a neutral to slightly formal tone. It's suitable for news reporting and descriptive writing, but might sound overly dramatic in casual conversation.

What does it mean when something is described as a "scarce sight"?

When something is described as a "scarce sight", it indicates that it is not often seen or encountered, making it noteworthy or remarkable due to its rarity.