uncommon sights

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon sights" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe things that are rare or not often seen, such as unique landscapes or unusual events. For example, "During our trip, we encountered many uncommon sights that left us in awe." Alternative expressions include "rare sights," "extraordinary sights," and "unusual sights."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

BMWs are not uncommon sights.

The New York Times

A highchair pulled up to the kitchen table, a doll on the sitting room floor are uncommon sights on a psychiatric ward.

The Guardian

In Kasimpasa today, women may cover their heads, but they also sit outside smoking cigarettes or navigate cars down the narrow, busy streets -- uncommon sights in many Islamic countries, and a legacy of the more tolerant Islam practiced in the Ottoman Empire, centered in Turkey, where Jews, Christians and Muslims all lived.

The New York Times

Wild dancing in the streets until sunrise, cruising and public intoxication are unusual associations, but for the first week of fall these are not uncommon sights in Crown Heights.

Vice

As Latvia is a very interesting place for uncommon sights.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Tears were not an uncommon sight during the speech".

The Guardian - Opinion

A breaching whale is not an uncommon sight in coastal Canada.

Independent

Drunken birds wobbling after eating fermented fruit is not an uncommon sight.

The New York Times - Science

In what is not an uncommon sight in Madison Avenue boutiques, they were necking furiously — it's spending as foreplay.

The New Yorker

She said that it was an uncommon sight and that hens raised to lay eggs are "almost never" rescued.

Independent

A man in a suit was an uncommon sight around here and the responses to him indicated bafflement.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a journey or exploration, use "uncommon sights" to add intrigue and emphasize the unique discoveries made along the way.

Common error

Avoid using "uncommon sights" when describing something merely disliked or disagreed with. Reserve it for truly rare or unique visual experiences to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon sights" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting specific instances of things that are rarely observed. Ludwig AI's examples show how it describes unique visual experiences in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uncommon sights" is a grammatically sound and semantically rich phrase used to describe rare or unique visual experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it lends itself well to descriptive writing, emphasizing discovery and exploration. Alternatives such as "rare spectacles" and "unusual scenes" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. When using the phrase, prioritize its application to genuinely rare occurrences to maintain its descriptive power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare spectacles

Emphasizes the infrequency and visual grandeur of the sights.

unusual scenes

Focuses on the non-standard or atypical nature of the scenes encountered.

extraordinary views

Highlights the remarkable and exceptional quality of the views.

infrequent occurrences

Shifts the focus to the low frequency of the events witnessed.

unique vistas

Stresses the one-of-a-kind and distinctive aspect of the vistas.

novel perspectives

Highlights how the view is new, original and different to the viewer.

rare glimpses

Underscores how the sight is brief or ephemeral and hard to capture.

remarkable displays

Points out something that's worthy of attention or admiration.

exceptional panoramas

Highlights the exceptional, unbroken view of surrounding region.

peculiar sights

Highlights the odd or strange nature of the sights.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncommon sights" to describe anything that is rare or not often seen. For example: "During our expedition, we witnessed many "uncommon sights", from bioluminescent plankton to previously undocumented species."

What are some alternatives to "uncommon sights"?

Alternatives include "rare spectacles", "unusual scenes", or "extraordinary views", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "uncommon sights" in formal writing?

Yes, "uncommon sights" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing discoveries, explorations, or unique observations. Its usage in reputable news sources and academic contexts supports its suitability.

What's the difference between "uncommon sights" and "unusual sights"?

While similar, "uncommon sights" emphasizes the infrequency of seeing something, while "unusual sights" highlights the odd or atypical nature of what is being seen. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize rarity or strangeness.