singularly uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "singularly uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is exceptionally rare or not often encountered. Example: "The phenomenon of a blue moon is singularly uncommon, occurring only once every few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The grass is singularly green,.

The New Yorker

It's all singularly devitalized.

The New Yorker

"I rarely do anything singularly.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet their rivalry is singularly contentious.

The New Yorker

plotlines as "singularly compelling".

The New York Times - Arts

Singularly, a good man.

The New York Times

People singularly businesslike.

The New Yorker

In that, it has been singularly successful.

The Economist

The dig draws singularly disparate individuals.

The New York Times - Travel

Miuccia Prada is singularly open about women.

The New York Times

It was a singularly bitter fight.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "singularly uncommon" when you want to emphasize that something is not just rare, but exceptionally so. It adds a layer of distinction beyond simple rarity.

Common error

Avoid using "singularly uncommon" when describing something that is merely unusual. Reserve it for situations where the rarity is a key aspect of the subject's importance or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "singularly uncommon" functions as an adverb-adjective combination modifying a noun. The adverb "singularly" intensifies the adjective "uncommon", highlighting the exceptional rarity of the subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "singularly uncommon" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the exceptional rarity of something. While not frequently encountered, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and effective when used to highlight that something is not just uncommon but remarkably so. Consider alternatives like "exceptionally rare" or "remarkably unusual" to achieve a similar effect. Remember to reserve this phrase for situations where the rarity genuinely contributes to the subject's importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exceptionally rare

Replaces "singularly" with "exceptionally", providing a more direct synonym for emphasis on rarity.

remarkably unusual

Substitutes both words for close synonyms, highlighting the unexpected nature of the subject.

distinctively rare

Emphasizes that the rarity is a distinguishing characteristic.

uniquely infrequent

Focuses on the uniqueness of the low occurrence rate.

particularly scarce

Highlights the limited availability of something.

uncommonly exceptional

Inverts the structure to emphasize the exceptional quality being uncommon.

strikingly atypical

Conveys a sense of something standing out because it deviates from the norm in a rare way.

unusually distinctive

Similar to 'distinctively rare' but uses 'unusually' to modify 'distinctive'.

rare to a degree

Expresses rarity but in a more verbose and less emphatic way.

hardly commonplace

Uses litotes (understatement) to imply that something is significantly uncommon.

FAQs

How can I use "singularly uncommon" in a sentence?

You can use "singularly uncommon" to describe something that is exceptionally rare or unusual. For example, "A solar eclipse of that magnitude is a "singularly uncommon" event".

What are some alternatives to "singularly uncommon"?

Alternatives include "exceptionally rare", "remarkably unusual", or "distinctively rare". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "singularly uncommon" a formal or informal expression?

"Singularly uncommon" leans towards a more formal register. While understandable in most contexts, it's more likely to appear in writing or formal speech than in casual conversation.

What does "singularly" emphasize in the phrase "singularly uncommon"?

"Singularly" amplifies the rarity already indicated by "uncommon". It suggests that the subject's infrequency is noteworthy or exceptional in its degree.