was seldom noticed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was seldom noticed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is infrequently observed or acknowledged. Example: "The subtle changes in the landscape were seldom noticed by the casual observer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

That there is a kind of decorum observed on occasions like this one is seldom noticed because it is seldom departed from.

The New York Times

In all the give and take, it is seldom noticed that defenders of this view claim to be carrying the Darwinian flag (Gayon 1998 and Gould 2003 are exceptions).

SEP

This deviation is seldom noticed in literature; however, with the growing of the renewable generation, the voltage fluctuation is expected to increase as well, and a new frequency estimation algorithm robust to voltage fluctuation must be investigated.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The alternative-energy projects are largely financed by small charges on electricity bills or obscure consumer fees that are seldom noticed.

Los Angeles Times

Other injuries, such as meniscal lesions (three patients) and anterior cruciate ligament tears (one patient), were seldom noticed.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

This is seldom noticed, but be aware that you've lost a bit of tea if your cake has been sampled.

WikiHow

He was seldom home.

The New Yorker

Physical punishment was seldom employed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bogart was seldom at ease.

The New Yorker

Alopecia was seldom mentioned.

Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation and Infection

The grimness was seldom liberated.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was seldom noticed" to describe subtle or easily overlooked details or changes, particularly when emphasizing their lack of recognition.

Common error

Avoid using "was seldom noticed" when describing something that is inherently obvious or widely known; this can undermine the impact of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was seldom noticed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something received infrequent attention or observation. It highlights a lack of recognition or awareness. This is supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing its use in describing overlooked details.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was seldom noticed" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to denote that something was infrequently observed or acknowledged. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is acceptable across a range of contexts, although it is more frequently found in news, media, and scientific publications. It's best employed to highlight subtle details that might otherwise be overlooked. Related phrases include "was rarely observed" and "passed unnoticed", each offering a slightly different nuance. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context to avoid overstating the significance of what wasn't noticed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was rarely observed

Replaces "seldom" with "rarely", indicating a less frequent occurrence.

was infrequently noted

Substitutes "seldom" with "infrequently" and "noticed" with "noted", implying a lack of regular attention.

went largely unremarked

Indicates that something was not commented on or mentioned, emphasizing a lack of acknowledgement.

passed unnoticed

A shorter, more direct way of saying something was not observed.

was hardly recognized

Focuses on the lack of recognition rather than general observation.

was scarcely perceived

Emphasizes the difficulty in perceiving something, suggesting it was almost unnoticeable.

was seldom acknowledged

Shifts the focus to a lack of acknowledgement, implying a deliberate overlooking.

was rarely heeded

Suggests the lack of attention paid to a warning or advice.

escaped attention

Highlights that something avoided being noticed or observed.

remained unobserved

Emphasizes the continued state of being unobserved.

FAQs

How can I use "was seldom noticed" in a sentence?

You can use "was seldom noticed" to describe something that wasn't frequently observed. For example, "The subtle changes in the painting "were seldom noticed" by casual viewers."

What are some alternatives to "was seldom noticed"?

Alternatives include "was rarely observed", "went largely unremarked", or "passed unnoticed", depending on the specific context.

Is "was seldom noticed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was seldom noticed" is grammatically correct. It follows the structure of a passive voice construction using "was" as the auxiliary verb and "noticed" as the past participle. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's perfectly acceptable.

What's the difference between "was seldom noticed" and "was hardly noticed"?

"Was seldom noticed" implies something was infrequently observed, while "was hardly noticed" suggests it was barely observed, almost to the point of not being noticed at all. The latter implies a greater degree of oversight.