somewhat rare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "somewhat rare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not common or frequently encountered, but not extremely rare. Example: "The species of bird we spotted in the forest is somewhat rare, making it a special sight for birdwatchers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That is somewhat rare.

The Guardian - Music

Those are somewhat rare.

The New York Times - Food

He makes a somewhat rare appearance at Carnegie Hall.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Blagojevich's office said briefings were somewhat rare anyway.

The New York Times

INSURANCE for high-performance driving schools is relatively new and still somewhat rare.

The New York Times

This is somewhat rare for my demographic (I am in my 20s).

The New York Times

They're somewhat rare, but theater prequels and sequels are out there.

The New York Times

Mr. Marshall's vision was always tailor-made for a somewhat rare species in New York, the supersociable idealist.

The New York Times

While the committee took no action beyond the public rebuke, public admonishments of senators are somewhat rare and considered serious.

The New York Times

Nor, after his somewhat rare but better-than-average Alpine wipeout, had the futile swipe slowed his rapid descent.

The New York Times - Sports

The toilet is clean, has a seat — a somewhat rare commodity in Kenya, in my experience — and flushes.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "somewhat rare", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of rarity. Avoid overuse, as it can dilute the impact of the statement. Instead of stating that something is "somewhat rare", provide specific details that explain why it is not commonly observed.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat rare" when the subject is either extremely common or nearly non-existent. In such cases, use more precise language like "common" or "extremely rare" to avoid misleading the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat rare" functions as an adverbial modifier that qualifies the adjective "rare". It serves to soften the assertion of rarity, indicating that something is uncommon but not exceptionally so. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

19%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat rare" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to describe something that is uncommon but not extremely so. As supported by Ludwig, its versatility makes it suitable for diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "relatively uncommon" or "fairly infrequent" exist, "somewhat rare" strikes a balance, conveying a measured degree of infrequency. Understanding the contexts and nuances of "somewhat rare" ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relatively uncommon

Indicates a moderate degree of infrequency, similar to the original phrase, with a focus on comparison to other occurrences.

fairly infrequent

Emphasizes the lack of frequent occurrence, suggesting that instances are not common.

moderately scarce

Highlights the limited availability or supply of something.

slightly unusual

Suggests that something deviates from the norm to a small extent.

somewhat atypical

Implies a departure from the standard or typical pattern.

rather exceptional

Highlights that something is an exception or stands out from the ordinary.

distinctly sparse

Stresses the thin distribution or limited presence of something.

noticeably limited

Indicates that the quantity or extent of something is visibly restricted.

unusually scant

Emphasizes the insufficient quantity or amount of something.

scarcely commonplace

Highlights that something is not typically found or encountered.

FAQs

How can I use "somewhat rare" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat rare" to describe something that is not very common, but not extremely rare either. For example: "Finding a company with such ethical practices is "somewhat rare"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "somewhat rare"?

Alternatives to "somewhat rare" include "relatively uncommon", "fairly infrequent", or "moderately scarce", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "somewhat rare" or "rare"?

"Somewhat rare" implies a lesser degree of rarity compared to "rare". Use "somewhat rare" when something is uncommon but not exceptionally so. "Rare" should be used when something is truly infrequent.

What is the difference between "somewhat rare" and "slightly unusual"?

"Somewhat rare" focuses on the frequency of something, while "slightly unusual" emphasizes that something deviates from what is typical or expected. They can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but not always.