uncommon situation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon situation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scenario that is not typical or frequently encountered. Example: "In an uncommon situation like this, we must adapt our strategies to ensure success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

In the technology boom of the late 90's, this was not an uncommon situation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The person, while alive, was not conscious of any uncommon situation of his heart.

The New York Times - Science

He sees most global markets as fully valued, a somewhat uncommon situation.

The New York Times

This is not really the accountant's fault, and this is not an uncommon situation.

The New York Times

Amo said it was not an uncommon situation among young African women who come to the United States to work.

The New York Times

What do parents in our situation do? — Elizabeth This is not an uncommon situation in the current economy.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

The winners were aided by the diagramed deal, which demonstrates the advantage of partnership discussion of some uncommon situations.

The New York Times - Arts

OF all the uncommon situations in which an architect might find himself, being filmed for the lead-in segment to the Oscar broadcast has got to be one of the oddest.

The New York Times

In this way, abilities can be acquired in serious and uncommon situations with no risk of harm to the patient.

Anales de Pediatría

Some relatively uncommon situations may also require a judgment call by the official scorer.

Wikipedia

However, its use to date is restricted to uncommon situations including nerve allografts and composite tissue allotransplantation, where immunosuppression is critical to prevent tissue rejection.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation as "uncommon", provide context or details that explain why it is not typical. This adds clarity and strengthens your point.

Common error

Avoid labeling a situation as "uncommon" if it is merely undesirable. Ensure it genuinely deviates from the norm, or else use a more appropriate descriptor like "problematic" or "challenging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon situation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object, to describe a state of affairs that deviates from the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

40%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "uncommon situation" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable way to describe a scenario that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not the most frequent expression, it's commonly found in both academic, scientific and news contexts, indicating its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to clarify why the situation is indeed atypical, and avoid using it simply to denote difficulty. Alternatives like "rare circumstance" or "atypical scenario" can offer subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare circumstance

Focuses more on the infrequency and exceptional nature of the event.

atypical scenario

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or standard.

unusual event

Highlights the unexpected or remarkable nature of the happening.

exceptional case

Indicates a deviation from typical instances or examples.

peculiar instance

Stresses the odd or strange qualities of the situation.

unique circumstance

Highlights the distinct and unparalleled aspects of the event.

extraordinary occurrence

Emphasizes the remarkable and noteworthy nature of the happening.

abnormal situation

Implies a deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

infrequent event

Emphasizes the low frequency or rate of occurrence.

uncharacteristic case

Points out that the case is not representative of the usual pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "uncommon situation" to describe a scenario that is not typical or frequently encountered. For example, "Dealing with a global pandemic presented an "uncommon situation" for businesses worldwide".

What are some alternatives to "uncommon situation"?

Alternatives include "rare circumstance", "atypical scenario", or "unusual event", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "uncommon situation" versus "difficult situation"?

"Uncommon situation" emphasizes the novelty or infrequency of the event, while "difficult situation" highlights the challenges it presents. Use "uncommon situation" when the key aspect is the rarity, and "difficult situation" when the focus is on the hardship or complexity.

Is "uncommon situation" formal or informal language?

"Uncommon situation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is a neutral phrase that is widely understood and accepted.