seldom work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seldom work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something does not happen often or is infrequently effective. Example: "The new software updates seldom work as intended, leading to frustration among users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

But quick fixes seldom work.

The Economist

They should realise that gimmicks seldom work in England.

The Guardian - Sport

However, seldom work has investigated impact of graphene size on its energy storage performance.

Electrochimica Acta

In such "loose" games, it pays to play "tight," since bluffing will seldom work.

Britannica

Delays seldom work in the prosecution's favor because memories fade and witnesses disappear.

The New York Times

Historical analogies seldom work well, and this one works very poorly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

It seldom works.

The New York Times

Alas, Europe seldom works like this.

The Economist

Technology, after all, seldom works flawlessly.

The Economist

It seldom works smoothly or speedily.

The Washington Post

Unfortunately, it seldom works like that.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seldom work", ensure the subject and context clearly indicate what is not working and why it is infrequent. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "seldom work" as a blanket statement without specifying the conditions or situations where it applies. Providing specific examples or context makes the statement more credible and useful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seldom work" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something infrequently or rarely functions as intended. It suggests a low probability of successful operation, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "seldom work" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something infrequently functions or produces the desired results. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, possessing a neutral register suitable for various applications. While effective, ensure to provide sufficient context to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternatives like "rarely effective" or "infrequently function" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost never work

Uses a more emphatic 'almost never' to describe the infrequency.

rarely effective

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness rather than the frequency of work.

infrequently function

Highlights the rare occurrence of functioning, which is synonymous with working.

hardly operate

Emphasizes the minimal amount of operation, implying a lack of successful activity.

scarcely perform

Underscores the limited performance or execution of tasks.

works only sporadically

Focuses on the inconsistent and irregular nature of the work occurring.

unlikely to succeed

Shifts the focus to the probability of success rather than the action of working.

seldom produce results

Specifies that the lack of work relates to a lack of outcomes.

infrequently yield outcomes

Similar to the above, but uses 'yield outcomes' for 'produce results'.

rarely achieve success

Emphasizes the infrequent attainment of successful results.

FAQs

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

You can use "seldom work" to describe a situation where something infrequently functions or is ineffective. For example, "Quick fixes "seldom work" in complex situations."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "seldom work"?

Alternatives to "seldom work" include phrases like "rarely effective", "infrequently function", or "hardly operate", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "seldom work"?

Yes, "seldom work" is grammatically correct and commonly used. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable and correct in written English.

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

While both phrases indicate infrequent operation, "seldom work" might suggest a slightly lower frequency than "rarely work". The choice often depends on the desired emphasis.