sufficiently rare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sufficiently rare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs infrequently or is not commonly found. Example: "The species is considered sufficiently rare to warrant protection under environmental laws."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"That situation is sufficiently rare that is doesn't present a systemic threat.

The New York Times

Other minerals of gold are sufficiently rare as to have little economic significance.

Britannica

Or pick a sufficiently rare search term like "Norah" or "Ginuwine" and hear what sounds like a defective greatest-hits album.

The New York Times - Arts

Plaintiffs with thin skulls are foreseeable (whatever courts might say), but their presence (like the chance of harm to bystanders in Palsgraf) is sufficiently rare...

Harvard University

In the 1950s, malignant cancer among the Inuit, for instance, was still deemed sufficiently rare that physicians working in northern Canada would publish case reports in medical journals when they did diagnose a case.

The New York Times - Magazine

Transfer fees for managers are still sufficiently rare to invite suspicion if they are really worth it but the £3.5m Crystal Palace spent on Alan Pardew is shaping up to be one of the best investments of this month.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Some neurological conditions are sufficiently uncommon or rare that single centre observational studies and randomized controlled clinical trials are unfeasible and thus are good candidates for studies through patient registries.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

By introducing a complexing agent, separation is possible; if the strength of the R3+ ion-complex of neighbouring lanthanide ions varies sufficiently from one rare earth to another, the separation will occur.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even a highly selective and potent antibody may not sufficiently enrich extremely rare antigens.

F1000Research

A discouraging aspect of the theory was the implication that the formation of solar systems in the Milky Way Galaxy must be extremely rare, because sufficiently close encounters between stars would occur very seldom.

Britannica

A weakness of this study is that the cohort is not sufficiently large to identify rare variants that confer susceptibility to ICP, despite being the largest available cohort to our knowledge.

American Journal of Gastroenterology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sufficiently rare", ensure that the context clearly establishes the baseline for comparison. For example, instead of saying "complications are sufficiently rare", specify "complications after this procedure are sufficiently rare that they do not outweigh the benefits".

Common error

Avoid using "sufficiently rare" when describing something that is actually common. This can mislead your audience and undermine your credibility. Always verify the actual frequency of the subject before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sufficiently rare" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It serves to emphasize the degree to which something is uncommon. As Ludwig shows, it describes the infrequency of events or occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

28%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sufficiently rare" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to describe events or phenomena that are uncommon to a significant degree. Ludwig AI's analysis shows it is frequently used in formal contexts such as scientific and news articles, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, it is important to ensure that the described event or occurrence is indeed rare and that the context clearly establishes a baseline for comparison. Overstating rarity can undermine credibility, so verifying the actual frequency is essential.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncommonly infrequent

Emphasizes the lack of frequency from both sides

adequately uncommon

Highlights the uncommon nature to a suitable degree.

relatively scarce

Focuses on the limited availability or presence.

moderately infrequent

Stresses the lack of frequency to a certain extent.

somewhat exceptional

Suggests a deviation from the norm, making it unusual.

distinctly unusual

Highlights the uniqueness and uncommon nature.

noticeably sparse

Emphasizes the limited presence and visibility.

appreciably uncommon

Focuses on the uncommon nature being significant or measurable.

remarkably atypical

Highlights the departure from the typical or usual.

infrequently encountered

Focuses on the low probability of encountering something.

FAQs

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

You can use "sufficiently rare" to describe events, occurrences, or items that do not happen or appear often. For example: "Side effects from the medication are sufficiently rare that they don't usually deter patients."

What are some alternatives to "sufficiently rare"?

Some alternatives include "relatively scarce", "uncommonly infrequent", or "moderately infrequent", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "sufficiently rare" in formal writing?

Yes, "sufficiently rare" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, academic, and professional contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms. It clearly communicates the infrequency of something without being overly colloquial.

What's the difference between "sufficiently rare" and "uncommon"?

"Uncommon" generally means not often found or seen, while "sufficiently rare" implies that something is not only rare but also rare enough to have a significant impact or be noteworthy in a particular context. The degree of rarity is more emphasized in "sufficiently rare".