uncommon explanation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon explanation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an explanation that is not frequently encountered or is unusual in nature. Example: "The scientist provided an uncommon explanation for the phenomenon, which intrigued many in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

One explanation for the uncommon distribution of R. honei is that ectoparasites associated with migrating birds that feed on local reptiles may transmit R. honei to reptile ticks (3 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Several experts said such settlements are not uncommon, and one offered a possible explanation for the striking reduction.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally, Experiments 4 and 5 extended these results beyond the domain of mental disorders, examining lay judgments for behaviors that are uncommon (and hence in need of explanation) but not the result of mental disorders.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

By way of explanation, it is not uncommon to receive complaints focusing on deepening nasolabial folds rather than the responsible cheek volume loss that requires primary treatment.

Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology

The finding of dominance for personality traits is not uncommon, but there may be alternative explanations for these data.

Plosone

Such apparently adaptive evolutionary changes are not uncommon, although some authors caution that alternative explanations (e.g., climate matching by populations with multiple geographic origins) can account equally well for the appearance of adaptation (Colautti et al. 2009).

Evolutionary Applications

It is not uncommon to see that junior students equip an imperfect explanation model when beginning their science journey.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

"The explanation is remarkably simple and not an uncommon problem.[Andrea Th1] [Charles C2] " When a borehole is drilled, mud is used, Davies explained.

HuffPost

Uncommon or oppositional responses were discussed and a potential explanation for the findings sought in the data.

BMC Family Practice

The ability of AGS patients' hepatocytes to make and secrete bile may protect them from cellular cholestasis and cholate injury, and provides a putative explanation why progressive liver disease is relatively uncommon [ 30].

BMC Gastroenterology

3 5 When the apparently redundant aprotinin trials were conducted, systematic reviews were relatively uncommon and failure to review the previous trials was a plausible explanation for the redundancy.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "uncommon explanation" when you want to highlight that a particular explanation deviates significantly from typical or expected viewpoints. It can add emphasis to the novelty or originality of the idea.

Common error

Avoid using "uncommon explanation" when a more appropriate term like "complex explanation" or "detailed explanation" is suitable. "Uncommon" specifically implies rarity, not complexity. Make sure that the explanation is truly infrequently encountered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon explanation" functions as a noun phrase, where "uncommon" modifies the noun "explanation". It serves to describe a particular type of explanation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncommon explanation" is a grammatically sound term used to describe a rationale that is infrequent or rare. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Alternatives include "rare explanation" or "unusual explanation". The register is fairly neutral and can be used in diverse contexts, although it is more prevalent in scientific or formal writing than in casual conversations. When using "uncommon explanation", ensure the context sufficiently explains why the explanation is considered "uncommon" to enhance clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare explanation

Replaces "uncommon" with "rare", emphasizing infrequency.

unusual explanation

Substitutes "uncommon" with "unusual", highlighting the atypical nature of the explanation.

atypical explanation

Replaces "uncommon" with "atypical", focusing on the deviation from the norm.

infrequent explanation

Uses "infrequent" instead of "uncommon", stressing the low occurrence of the explanation.

exceptional explanation

Changes "uncommon" to "exceptional", suggesting the explanation is superior or notable.

novel explanation

Replaces "uncommon" with "novel", emphasizing the newness or originality of the explanation.

rarely offered explanation

Adds "rarely offered" to emphasize that the explanation is not often presented.

scarce explanation

Substitutes "uncommon" with "scarce", focusing on the limited availability of the explanation.

unheard-of explanation

Replaces "uncommon" with "unheard-of", stressing the novelty and surprising nature of the explanation.

eccentric explanation

Substitutes "uncommon" with "eccentric", implying that the explanation is peculiar or unconventional.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncommon explanation" to describe a rationale that is rare or not frequently encountered. For instance: "The scientist provided an uncommon explanation for the phenomenon, which intrigued the audience."

What are some alternatives to "uncommon explanation"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "uncommon explanation" over other similar phrases?

Use "uncommon explanation" when you specifically want to emphasize that an explanation is infrequent or not generally known. If the explanation is merely complex, "detailed explanation" might be more suitable.

Is there a difference between "uncommon explanation" and "unconventional explanation"?

"Uncommon explanation" implies that the explanation is rare, while "unconventional explanation" suggests that the explanation goes against established norms or traditions. While they can sometimes overlap, "unconventional" focuses more on the departure from norms, and uncommon focuses more on the infrequency.