seldom speaks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seldom speaks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who does not talk often or is not very talkative. Example: "Despite being in a room full of people, she seldom speaks, preferring to listen instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

He seldom speaks publicly.

The New York Times

Bavaro seldom speaks publicly.

The New York Times - Sports

Vaughan seldom speaks at staff meetings except to crack jokes.

The New Yorker

He is circumspect and seldom speaks with reporters, who have nicknamed him Silent Stanley.

The New York Times

Mr. Ravitch seldom speaks with the governor, and they hardly meet.

The New York Times

Despite his distinguished record, Detective Lavelle seldom speaks about his job once he arrives home, according to his wife, Nancy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

They seldom speak to reporters.

The New York Times

He seldom spoke to reporters.

The Guardian

In fact, they seldom speak.

The New York Times

Ayer seldom spoke about his Eton schooling.

The New York Times - Books

"They very seldom spoke," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction or a public figure, using "seldom speaks" can succinctly convey their reticent nature without lengthy explanations.

Common error

While "seldom speaks" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternatives like "rarely speaks" or "infrequently speaks" can provide a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seldom speaks" functions as a verbal descriptor, indicating the infrequent nature of someone's speech. As evidenced by the examples from Ludwig, it is used to characterize individuals who are not prone to frequent conversation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seldom speaks" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe someone who doesn't talk often. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable news and media sources, confirms its validity and frequent use. While it's considered appropriate in most contexts, it's crucial to consider the tone when used in formal writing where "rarely speaks" or "infrequently speaks" may be preferable. Remember that according to Ludwig, the phrase serves to highlight a characteristic of reserve or reticence, emphasizing that the person is not talkative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely speaks

Emphasizes the infrequency of speaking, similar to "seldom speaks" but potentially implying even less frequent communication.

hardly ever speaks

Indicates a low frequency of speaking, highlighting the lack of verbal communication.

infrequently speaks

A more formal way of saying "seldom speaks", suitable for professional or academic contexts.

doesn't often speak

A straightforward alternative, directly expressing the lack of frequent speaking.

speaks infrequently

Rearranges the word order while retaining the core meaning of infrequent communication.

is not very talkative

Shifts the focus to the person's general disposition rather than specific instances of speaking.

keeps mostly silent

Highlights the tendency to remain silent rather than engage in conversation.

is reserved in speech

Suggests a deliberate choice to be cautious and sparing with words.

speaks very little

Focuses on the minimal amount of verbal communication.

chooses words carefully

Implies that when the person does speak, the words are deliberately chosen.

FAQs

What does "seldom speaks" mean?

The phrase "seldom speaks" means that someone doesn't talk often or is not very talkative. It indicates a low frequency of speaking.

What can I say instead of "seldom speaks"?

You can use alternatives like "rarely speaks", "hardly ever speaks", or "infrequently speaks" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "seldom speaks"?

Yes, "seldom speaks" is grammatically correct and understandable. However, it's important to consider the tone and context to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "seldom speaks" and "rarely speaks"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "rarely speaks" might suggest an even lower frequency of speaking than "seldom speaks". The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.