seldom available

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seldom available" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is not often or rarely available. Here are a few examples of how you could use it in a sentence: 1. The limited edition shoes are seldom available, so I had to buy them as soon as they were released. 2. The job opportunity for a marine biologist in this area is seldom available, so I jumped at the chance when it was offered to me. 3. Fresh seafood is seldom available in this landlocked city, so I always make sure to stock up when I go to the coast. 4. The chance to see a comet passing near Earth is seldom available, so amateur astronomers are excited about this rare occurrence. 5. The play tickets for the new Broadway show are seldom available, so I had to book mine months in advance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Such data, in fact, are seldom available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Older units in town houses are seldom available.

The New York Times

This sensation is seldom available on a first visit to any establishment.

The New York Times - Travel

That option is seldom available to choreographers, who need bodies and space to create their work.

The New York Times - Arts

The pub has a good range of beers brewed on the premises and seldom available elsewhere.

The Guardian - Travel

The "deductions" Holmes makes are seldom available to a reader to get ahead of.

The Guardian - Books

The ideal arc was seldom available, thanks to the motley, almost comical array of other vehicles.

The New York Times

Rangers fans consider it an adventure, and tickets are seldom available.

Independent

Since slams are seldom available after a single raise, this should be considered a splinter specifically showing a void.

The New York Times - Arts

The New York State Macintosh, which I prefer, are seldom available at the supermarket where I shop.

The New York Times

Mr. Clark highlighted one other feature of the condo, something seldom available in a hotel, that made it feel somewhat like home.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the limited availability of a resource or opportunity, use "seldom available" to emphasize its infrequent nature. This phrase is suitable for formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "seldom available" when "rarely available" or "never available" are more accurate. "Seldom" implies infrequent but possible, not extreme scarcity or impossibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seldom available" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating that the noun is not frequently accessible or obtainable. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seldom available" is grammatically correct and frequently used to describe items or opportunities that are not easily or frequently obtained. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic entries. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to understand the degree of rarity implied to avoid overstatement, opting for alternatives such as "rarely accessible" or "infrequently obtainable" if more precise. The expert rating of 4.5 reflects its strong grammatical standing and usage consistency, making it a reliable choice for conveying limited availability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely accessible

Emphasizes the infrequency of being able to obtain or use something.

infrequently obtainable

Highlights the uncommon nature of getting or acquiring something.

scarcely obtainable

Focuses on the difficulty in finding or procuring something.

hardly accessible

Stresses the limited opportunities to reach or use something.

not often available

A more literal rephrasing emphasizing the lack of frequent availability.

uncommonly accessible

Highlights that accessibility is unusual.

available on occasion

Indicates that availability is limited to specific instances or events.

rarely encountered

Suggests that something is not often found or experienced.

in short supply

Focuses on the limited quantity or amount of something available.

difficult to come by

Highlights the challenges in obtaining or finding something.

FAQs

How can I use "seldom available" in a sentence?

You can use "seldom available" to describe something that is not frequently accessible or obtainable. For example, "Tickets for the concert are "seldom available" due to high demand".

What are some alternatives to saying "seldom available"?

Alternatives include "rarely accessible", "infrequently obtainable", or "scarcely obtainable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "seldom available" and "rarely available"?

While similar, "seldom available" suggests something is not common, but still happens. "Rarely available" implies an even lower frequency. The choice depends on the degree of infrequency you wish to emphasize.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "seldom available"?

"Seldom available" is appropriate when discussing resources, opportunities, or items that are not easily or frequently obtained. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.