uncommon request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a request that is not frequently made or is unusual in nature. Example: "The client submitted an uncommon request for a custom feature that we had never implemented before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It can't be an uncommon request.

The New Yorker

It was his standard response to the not uncommon request for skim milk by people who ordered lots of doughnuts.

The New York Times - Style

The chicken heads, on the other hand, are an uncommon request and are given away free to customers, she said.

The New York Times

While it's not an uncommon request to identify employees who are flight risks within an organization, the breadth and depth of such analysis may leave employees with a disquieting sense of being under surveillance.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Journalists attending the event were required to "rent" the Wi-Fi for $200 for five devices – not an uncommon or unprecedented request.

TechCrunch

Complex neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, tic disorders and Tourette's syndrome, as well as learning disorders and intellectual impairment) can have a dramatic impact on home and family life and it is not uncommon to receive requests for prioritization of care.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

It is not uncommon for someone to request advice and answers to questions well before they make a decision to file for a divorce.

HuffPost

It's not uncommon for women to request a specific scenario from the guys, something that happened in real life that they can revisit with a new ending.

Vice

Sacramento civil rights attorney Mark Merin is among those who have asked state agencies for declarations supporting arguments in their private lawsuits and says it's uncommon for such a request to be granted.

Los Angeles Times

As late as the 1970s, not only did Iowa still have state-run stores, but each store also kept a book on each customer detailing their purchases, and it was not uncommon for fathers to request to see the books of their daughters' suitors to ascertain their sobriety.

Huffington Post

It was uncommon for carers to request calendars despite the Calendar Project being advertised in the waiting room.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "uncommon request", ensure the context clarifies why the request is unusual. Providing details helps the reader understand the significance of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "uncommon request" for situations that are only slightly out of the ordinary. Save it for truly exceptional or rare instances to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon request" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "uncommon" modifies the noun "request". Ludwig AI indicates it is a grammatically correct phrase. It denotes a specific type of request that is not typical or frequently encountered.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "uncommon request" is a grammatically sound and semantically valid construction used to highlight the infrequency or unusual nature of a particular request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally considered correct. While only appearing in a limited number of examples, it finds prevalence in News & Media, Scientific and Formal & Business contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "rare inquiry" or "unusual solicitation". When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context clarifies the reason for its unusualness, and to avoid overstating its rarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rare inquiry

Emphasizes the infrequency of the request.

Unusual solicitation

Highlights the atypical nature of the request.

Exceptional demand

Focuses on the unique and noteworthy aspect of the demand.

Extraordinary appeal

Emphasizes the remarkable or exceptional nature of the request.

Infrequent application

Stresses the low frequency of the application.

Remarkable requisition

Highlights the noteworthy character of the requisition.

Atypical proposition

Stresses that it's not a typical proposition.

Unique claim

Focuses on the distinctiveness of the claim.

Novel requirement

Highlights the new or original nature of the requirement.

Singular instance

Emphasizes that the request is a unique occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncommon request" to describe a situation where someone is asking something that is not frequently asked. For example, "The museum received an uncommon request to display a private collection."

What are some alternatives to "uncommon request"?

Some alternatives to "uncommon request" include "rare inquiry", "unusual solicitation", or "exceptional demand".

Is it better to say "uncommon request" or "unusual request"?

Both "uncommon request" and "unusual request" are acceptable, but "uncommon request" suggests something less frequent than "unusual request". Choose the term that best reflects the degree of rarity.

What does it mean when a request is described as "uncommon"?

When a request is described as "uncommon", it means that the request is not frequently made and stands out from typical or standard requests.