seldom talking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seldom talking" can be used in written English and is grammatically correct.
It is often used to describe someone who does not talk frequently or someone who is not talkative. Example: "John was known for his quiet nature, seldom talking unless spoken to first."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Yet from the beginning of the Games, he was oddly subdued, keeping a low profile and seldom talking to the English-speaking media.

The New York Times - Magazine

Her best friend, Nicolette Butler, soon discovered Lucy was "hilarious, the funniest person I had ever met", seldom talking about her EB – few people knew much about it and the agony it caused her.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We seldom talk about it.

The New York Times - Travel

Wathan seldom talks about his playing career.

The New York Times - Sports

But he seldom talks about it now.

The New York Times

Clerics seldom talk about their experiences.

The New York Times

Karen Lutes said her brother seldom talked about his feelings.

The New York Times

Unease, simply because she so seldom talked to a stranger nowadays?

The New Yorker

In this culture, parents seldom talk to their children about sex, medical workers said.

The New York Times - Sports

I seldom talk about it because it is implausible and sentimental.

The New York Times

It is true that Völler seldom talks tactics - he just does them.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seldom talking", consider whether a more specific description of the person's behavior or reason for not talking would add clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "seldom talking" may sound slightly archaic in modern contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "rarely speaks" or "infrequently converses" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seldom talking" functions as a descriptive element, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a lack of frequent speech. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seldom talking" is a grammatically correct way to describe someone who does not speak frequently. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While its usage is relatively rare, it is most commonly found in News & Media. More modern alternatives, such as "rarely speaking" or "not very talkative", may be preferable in some contexts. When writing, consider whether a more specific description would enhance clarity, and avoid overuse in highly formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely speaking

Emphasizes the infrequency of speech.

infrequently conversing

Highlights the lack of regular conversation.

not very talkative

Directly describes a person's lack of talkativeness.

usually silent

Focuses on the habitual silence of the individual.

tends to be quiet

Indicates a predisposition toward quietness.

mostly mute

Suggests a near-complete absence of speech.

habitually reserved in speech

Highlights the consistent reservation in verbal communication.

sparing with words

Implies careful and limited use of language.

uncommunicative much of the time

Highlights a general lack of communication.

does not often engage in conversation

Focuses on the avoidance of conversational interactions.

FAQs

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

"Seldom talking" describes someone who doesn't speak often. For example: "Despite being in a group, he was "seldom talking"."

What's a more modern alternative to "seldom talking"?

Alternatives include "rarely speaking", "not very talkative", or "tends to be quiet".

Is it better to say "seldom talking" or "rarely talks"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "rarely talks" might be more common in contemporary English. "Seldom talking" can add a slightly more formal or old-fashioned feel.

What does "seldom talking" imply about a person?

It suggests that the person is not very communicative or prefers to be quiet, possibly due to shyness, introversion, or a specific situation.