uncommon to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "uncommon to" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly; the correct expression would be "uncommon for" or "uncommon in." Example: "It is uncommon for people to arrive late to the meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's not uncommon to see Lexuses and Mercedes outside".

The New York Times

Now it's not uncommon to be using a larger screen.

The Guardian - Tech

"It was not uncommon to see people without clothing," Capt.

The New York Times

"In that generation, it wasn't uncommon to be anti-Semitic.

The New Yorker

"It's very uncommon to find a complete necklace," he said.

Independent

Uncommon to me is where genius comes from.

The New York Times

"It's not uncommon to get $5,000 for a puppy.

The New York Times - Science

When reporters contacted people in Thiel's orbit, it's not uncommon to have basic facts questioned.

The Guardian - Tech

In some stores, it is not uncommon to find more sales people than customers.

The New York Times

And it's not uncommon to bump into tour groups wandering through the galleries on weekends.

The New York Times - Arts

It's not uncommon to see a corporate collection in an office space, but here it's different.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as not typical, use "uncommon for" or "uncommon in" followed by the specific context or group to which it applies. For example, "It's uncommon for tropical storms to reach this far north".

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "uncommon to" as it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Instead, use "uncommon for" to describe something not typically experienced by someone or "uncommon in" to specify that something is rare within a particular context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "uncommon to" functions as a descriptive element indicating that something is rare or infrequent. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it's often used incorrectly. The correct usage would typically involve "uncommon for" or "uncommon in."

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "uncommon to" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. The correct forms are generally "uncommon for" or "uncommon in", depending on the context. Despite its presence in media and scientific articles, it's best to avoid "uncommon to" in formal writing. Consider using alternatives like "rare for" or "unusual for" to ensure grammatical accuracy. Most authoritative sources use alternatives like "uncommon for" or "uncommon in". Therefore, favoring such alternatives strengthens the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare for

Indicates that something is seldom experienced or observed, focusing on the infrequency of an event or characteristic.

unusual for

Highlights the deviation from what is normally expected or seen.

not typical of

Emphasizes that something does not conform to the standard or common pattern.

out of the ordinary for

Suggests that something is exceptional and deviates from the daily routine.

seldom seen in

Focuses on the infrequent observation of something within a specific context.

infrequently found in

Highlights the scarcity of something in a particular place or situation.

atypical for

Indicates that something deviates from the usual characteristics of a group or category.

uncharacteristic of

Suggests behavior or features that do not align with typical patterns.

exceptional for

Emphasizes the positive deviation from what is considered average or normal.

uncommon in

Indicates that something is rare within a specific group, area, or context.

FAQs

What's the correct way to phrase something that's not typical?

Instead of "uncommon to", use "uncommon for" or "uncommon in". For example, "It's "uncommon for" snow to fall in July" or "That behavior is "uncommon in" cats".

Is "uncommon to" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "uncommon to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. The correct phrases are "uncommon for" or "uncommon in", depending on the context.

What can I use instead of "uncommon to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "rare for", "unusual for", or "not typical of". Always consider the specific meaning you want to convey.

How does "uncommon for" differ from "uncommon in"?

"Uncommon for" generally refers to an experience or attribute related to a person or thing, while "uncommon in" refers to something being rare within a specific group or context. For instance, "It's "uncommon for" him to be late" versus "It's "uncommon in" this region to see that type of bird".