was seldom employed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was seldom employed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was rarely used or utilized in the past. Example: "The old machinery was seldom employed due to its inefficiency and the availability of newer technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Physical punishment was seldom employed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Genuine mechanical traps, which close by a mechanism released by the prey, are seldom employed for fishing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of the main causes of African-Caribbean resentment is that they are seldom employed in these Asian retail outlets or warehouses, even when what is on sale are goods that only African people purchase, for example hair products.

The Guardian

Lawsuits are relatively rare after the deaths of developmentally disabled people in New York, in part because economic damages are difficult to prove, given that the victims are seldom employed.

The New York Times

These sensors have a potential for industrial quality control applications, although to date they are seldom employed.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Unbaffled stirred tanks are seldom employed in the process industry as they are considered poorer mixers than baffled vessels.

Chemical Engineering Science

However, such technique is seldom employed for road deicing, because of the texture and service environment of pavement.

Journal of Traffic and Transportation Engineering (English Edition)

Yet, landscape knowledge is seldom employed as fully as it could be, creating an action gap that slows down or prevents effective use of landscape science to improve metropolitan conditions for urban sustainability and livability.

Landscape and Urban Planning

However, this approach of computationally evaluating very large numbers of small molecules, and then selecting a small subset of these for additional experimental prosecution is seldom employed in the lead optimization phase of drug discovery project.

Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry

During the state's early history, vetoes were seldom employed by governors primarily because they were seen as only symbolic since the General Assembly could override them with only a simple majority.

Wikipedia

On the other hand, whereas the exposure levels in animal experiments may not represent human exposure levels in reality and long-term chronic exposure is seldom employed in animal models, we cannot ignore the adverse effects indicated by animal experiments.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical trends or changes in practices, use "was seldom employed" to illustrate a decline in usage over time. For instance, "Traditional farming methods were seldom employed after the introduction of mechanized agriculture."

Common error

Avoid using "was seldom employed" when describing current situations where something is simply 'not used'. Opt for more direct phrases like "is rarely used" or "is not commonly implemented" to maintain clarity and relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was seldom employed" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of an action (employment) that occurred infrequently. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was seldom employed" is a grammatically sound way to express that something was infrequently used in the past. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its application is relatively rare, occurring most often in scientific, news, and encyclopedia contexts. When writing, consider whether a more direct or contemporary phrasing might better suit your audience. Alternatives such as "was rarely used" or "was infrequently utilized" can provide clarity and maintain a smooth flow in your writing. Use the phrase judiciously to maintain appropriate register and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was infrequently used

Replaces "seldom employed" with a more straightforward synonym, emphasizing the lack of frequent use.

was rarely utilized

Similar to the original, but replaces "employed" with "utilized", indicating a more formal tone.

was not commonly applied

Focuses on the lack of common application, suggesting a practice that exists but isn't widespread.

was scarcely implemented

Highlights the lack of implementation, implying a plan or method that wasn't put into action often.

was hardly ever exercised

Emphasizes the infrequency of the action being carried out or put into practice.

was uncommonly adopted

Focuses on the rarity of the adoption of a particular method or practice.

was sparingly used

Suggests that something was used in small amounts or infrequently to conserve it.

was practically never put to use

Emphasizes the extreme rarity of something being used or implemented.

saw limited application

Indicates that something had a narrow scope of use or was not widely applied.

remained largely unused

Implies that something existed but was generally not put into service or practice.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was seldom employed" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "was infrequently utilized" or "saw limited application". These options offer a more sophisticated vocabulary while conveying the same meaning.

What's a simpler way to express "was seldom employed"?

You can use phrases like "was rarely used" or "was not commonly applied" for a more straightforward and easily understood expression.

Is it correct to say "is seldom employed" instead of "was seldom employed"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they indicate different time frames. "Was seldom employed" refers to past usage, while "is seldom employed" refers to current usage. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the time period you're discussing.

What's the difference between "was seldom employed" and "was never employed"?

"Was seldom employed" indicates that something was used, but not frequently. In contrast, "was never employed" means that something was not used at all. The former implies infrequent use, while the latter implies a complete absence of use.