too seldom

USAGE SUMMARY

"too seldom" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that does not occur often enough or that is not done often enough. For example: Too seldom does he express his appreciation for all she does for him.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This happens too seldom.

The New York Times - Books

But this is still too seldom said.

The New York Times - Arts

Ease is a word used too seldom in fashion.

The New York Times

We see Antony Tudor's "Dark Elegies" (1937) too seldom.

The New York Times - Arts

He gave a voice to those too seldom heard.

The Guardian

Too seldom, however, do practitioners have the opportunity to share their knowledge across communities.

The Journal of Mathematical Behavior

His pure-dance works -- a genre he preferred -- are too seldom seen.

The New York Times

I required too few services, too little product, and I stopped in too seldom.

The New York Times

On the page or on the screen, big numbers and high quality all too seldom coincide.

Independent

Too seldom does a columnist unilaterally redefine the core principles of international relations.

Independent

www.dallasopera.org December "L'ENFANCE DU CHRIST Berliozz's lovely work for the Christmas season is too seldom heard.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "too seldom" to emphasize that something desirable or necessary is not happening as often as it should. For example, "innovative solutions are "too seldom" implemented in this sector".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "too seldom" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "rarely" or "not often enough" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "too seldom" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the frequency with which an action or event occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes that something does not occur as often as it should.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

15%

Arts

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "too seldom" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs with insufficient frequency. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, such as news reporting and academic writing, with usage most prevalent in the contexts of News & Media, Science, and Arts. When aiming for a less formal tone, consider alternatives like "rarely" or "not often enough". Remember to use "too seldom" to emphasize the need for increased frequency and to ensure that it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very rarely

Emphasizes the rarity of occurrence more directly.

not often enough

Focuses on the insufficiency of frequency.

infrequently

A more formal synonym, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

on rare occasions

Highlights the exceptional nature of the occurrence.

scarcely ever

Suggests that the occurrence is almost nonexistent.

hardly ever

Similar to 'scarcely ever', but slightly less emphatic.

seldom enough

Reverses the word order for a slightly different emphasis.

not frequently enough

A more verbose way of expressing insufficient frequency.

on few occasions

Similar to 'on rare occasions', but perhaps slightly less dramatic.

uncommonly

Focuses on the departure from what is typical or expected.

FAQs

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

You can use "too seldom" to indicate that something happens less frequently than desired or expected. For example, "We "too seldom" appreciate the efforts of volunteers".

What is a good alternative to "too seldom"?

Some alternatives to "too seldom" include "rarely", "infrequently", or "not often enough". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "too seldom" formal or informal?

"Too seldom" is generally considered more formal than alternatives like "not often enough" or "rarely", but it is appropriate for both news and academic writing.

What's the difference between "too seldom" and "too often"?

"Too seldom" means not frequently enough, while "too often" means more frequently than is desirable or acceptable. They are antonyms.