seldom to be found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seldom to be found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is rarely encountered or discovered. Example: "In this remote area, rare species of plants are seldom to be found, making the region a unique ecological treasure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Heidemann, a man seldom to be found in the newsroom, who often disappears for weeks without leaving any indication of his destination or contact address, once again cannot be found".

The New Yorker

Today, you may hear a Rossini overture on a serious program, but a longer, lovely diversion like the ballet music from Massenet's "Le Cid" -- one of the better-performed works on Thursday's program -- is seldom to be found except in the pops-concert ghetto.

The New York Times - Arts

There is, by the way, no pattern to the selection of the "Other Texts", other than that I like them and that they are seldom to be found elsewhere, either on the web or in most libraries.

University of Chicago

This sequence is generally found in phytocystatins but seldom to be found in animal cystatin which supports the theory of a common ancestor before the split between animals and plants [ 10].

BioMed Research International

Financial freedom is seldom to be found in these quadrants.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The most exciting stripteases to be found on a stage seldom involve the removal of clothes.

The New York Times

In the sham group, nestin-positive cells can seldom be found, while RAGE expression can be found in neuronal cells.

Nature

Today, after 10 years of simcha dance lessons, Ms. Steinberg can seldom be found at her table when the band is playing.

The New York Times

In Norway, most health services are, wholly or partly, paid for by the State and pure market prices may seldom be found.

European Journal of Health Economics

Yet the quest is futile, since travel seldom offers what can't be found within.

The New Yorker

However, the profibrosis effect of autophagy is mainly carried out in resident HSCs; according to recent studies, seldom evidences were found that autophagy is regulated in other fibrogenic cells.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seldom to be found" when you want to emphasize the rarity of something in a descriptive or slightly formal context. It adds a touch of elegance compared to simpler alternatives like "rarely found".

Common error

Avoid using "seldom to be found" in casual conversation or informal writing. Its slightly elevated tone can sound out of place. Opt for more common phrases like "rarely found" or "hardly ever seen" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seldom to be found" functions as a verbal phrase emphasizing the rarity or infrequency of something. It is used to describe items or qualities that are not commonly encountered, as evidenced by the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "seldom to be found" is a grammatically correct verbal phrase used to describe something that is rare or infrequently encountered. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is most suitable for neutral to formal contexts, such as descriptive writing and news articles, to emphasize the scarcity or exceptional nature of a subject. While not incorrect, it's less common in casual conversation, where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. Its usage is relatively rare, making it a distinctive choice for adding emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rarely encountered

Focuses on the infrequent experience of finding something.

infrequently discovered

Highlights the low frequency of something being uncovered or revealed.

uncommon to locate

Emphasizes the unusual nature of finding something.

hardly ever found

Uses a more informal tone to express the lack of finding something.

scarce to come across

Highlights the limited availability of encountering something.

infrequently met with

Focuses on the rare occurrence of encountering something.

seldom seen

Simplifies the phrase by focusing on the act of seeing rather than finding.

rarely turned up

Implies a more active search and the low probability of success.

unusual to detect

Highlights the uncommon nature of spotting something.

infrequent to observe

Focuses on the rare act of observing or noticing something.

FAQs

How can I use "seldom to be found" in a sentence?

Use "seldom to be found" to describe something that is rare or infrequently encountered. For example: "Items of such exquisite craftsmanship are "seldom to be found" outside of private collections."

What are some alternatives to "seldom to be found"?

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

Is it more correct to say "seldom to be found" or "rarely found"?

Both "seldom to be found" and "rarely found" are grammatically correct, but "seldom to be found" carries a more formal and literary tone. "Rarely found" is more common in everyday language.

In what situations is "seldom to be found" most appropriate?

"Seldom to be found" is best used in descriptive writing, formal reports, or when you want to add a touch of elegance to your expression. It may not be suitable for casual conversation.