there is seldom

USAGE SUMMARY

'there is seldom' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation in which something does not happen very often. For example, "There is seldom enough rain in the summer to keep the plants healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Because the wild type loci for these alleles lack an altered promoter element there is seldom any variation in the cytosine methylation epitype at the wild type loci.

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Unfortunately, there is seldom anyone to intercede.

The New York Times

There is seldom anything left over.

The New York Times

Of course, there is seldom really only one final decider.

The New York Times

There is seldom much in the way of closure.

The New York Times - Books

Yet there is seldom anyone looking after her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And there is seldom a detailed agreement between the user and the company.

Princeton University

They are rarely mocked for their appearance and there is seldom a sexual edge to this.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There is seldom a magic pill that by itself solves the problem," they write.

The New York Times - Health

Of course, there is seldom much certainty in the satellite business, as Orbcomm's history illustrates.

The New York Times

At tournaments, there is seldom a doubles match on one of the main show courts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there is seldom" to introduce a contrasting point or to emphasize the unusual nature of a situation. For example, "While data is crucial, there is seldom a straightforward interpretation."

Common error

Avoid using "there is seldom" in situations where absolute certainty is implied. "Seldom" indicates infrequency, not impossibility. Instead of "There is seldom any doubt," consider "There is rarely any doubt."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there is seldom" functions as an existential clause expressing the infrequent occurrence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing it is commonly used to indicate that something does not happen very often. The examples show it appearing in varied contexts to downplay the frequency of an event or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

40%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "there is seldom" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something occurs infrequently. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. It is particularly prevalent in news and scientific writing, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended nuance of infrequency rather than complete absence. For more precise communication, consider alternatives like "rarely" or "infrequently" depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it rarely happens

Emphasizes the rarity of an event.

it's not often that

Highlights the infrequency of a situation.

it's unusual to see

Suggests something is not commonly observed.

it's a rare occurrence

Indicates something happens very infrequently.

it hardly ever happens

Implies an event almost never occurs.

it's infrequent

A more formal way to express something doesn't happen often.

it's uncommon

Expresses that something is not typical or usual.

it's exceptional

Implies something is out of the ordinary and rare.

it's atypical

Indicates something deviates from the norm.

it's scarce

Highlights the limited availability or occurrence of something.

FAQs

How can I use "there is seldom" in a sentence?

"There is seldom" is used to indicate that something doesn't happen often. For example, "There is seldom a good time to make such a difficult decision."

What phrases are similar to "there is seldom"?

Similar phrases include "rarely", "hardly ever", and "infrequently". Each conveys a sense of something not happening often.

Is it more appropriate to use "there is rarely" or "there is seldom"?

Both "there is rarely" and "there is seldom" are acceptable and convey similar meanings. "Seldom" might be perceived as slightly more formal or old-fashioned compared to "rarely".

What is the difference between "there is seldom" and "there is never"?

"There is seldom" indicates that something happens infrequently, while "there is never" indicates that something does not happen at all. "There is seldom a line at this store" means lines are uncommon, while "There is never a line at this store" means there are absolutely no lines.