while infrequent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while infrequent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs occasionally or not often, typically in a context where frequency is being discussed. Example: "The meetings are scheduled for every quarter, while infrequent, they are crucial for team alignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

But reminders, while infrequent, were jarring.

The New York Times

These bursts of freedom, while infrequent, were dangerous.

The New Yorker

However, some unpredictability and risks such as infection and scarring, while infrequent, are possible".

The New York Times

The Japanese gallery provides a mere glimpse of Brooklyn's riches in this area, and metal, while infrequent, takes a variety of forms.

The New York Times - Arts

1 Executions Expected to Rise Federal executions, while infrequent, are expected to increase because the law has been broadened in recent years to include more crimes.

The New York Times

In our experiment, participants detected gaps in a continuous tone while infrequent frequency glides served as distracting events.

Biological Psychology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In the Andes, subsistence farmers stockpile the more rare native potatoes to be eaten throughout the year, while surpluses are infrequent.

Vice

However, these methods may not fit to sentences as they may be very similar while co-occurring words are infrequent.

Vietnam Journal of Computer Science

EGFR mutations were found in 68% of cases in our study, a high rate similar to those reported in never or former light smokers in two recent studies [45], [46], while mutations in KRAS were infrequent.

Plosone

Doors are infrequent.

The New Yorker

But such cases are infrequent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while infrequent" to introduce a contrast or concession, acknowledging that something doesn't happen often but is still worth considering or mentioning.

Common error

Avoid using "while infrequent" when a simple statement of frequency is sufficient. The "while" implies a contrast or unexpectedness that should be contextually relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while infrequent" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause by specifying the frequency of an action or event. Ludwig indicates its correct usage in introducing a contrast, acknowledging the low occurrence rate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while infrequent" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to introduce a contrast by acknowledging the low frequency of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's typically used to qualify a statement, indicating that something doesn't happen often but is still worth considering. The phrase is versatile, appearing in both scientific and journalistic contexts, and is generally considered to be formal and neutral. Alternatives include "although uncommon" or "even if rare", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although uncommon

Replaces "infrequent" with "uncommon", maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

though not frequent

Uses "not frequent" instead of "infrequent", providing a slightly more explicit and less concise alternative.

even if rare

Emphasizes the rarity of the occurrence more strongly than "infrequent".

despite its rarity

Highlights the unusual nature of the event, focusing on its scarcity.

in spite of being uncommon

More formal and emphatic, stressing the unexpectedness of the event.

on the rare occasion that

Introduces the event as exceptional and not typical.

scarcely

A single-word adverb emphasizing the low frequency of occurrence.

seldom

A simple and direct adverb indicating infrequent occurrence.

rarely

Another direct adverb synonymous with "seldom" and "infrequently".

not often

A more basic and less formal way to express infrequency.

FAQs

How can I use "while infrequent" in a sentence?

The phrase "while infrequent" is typically used to introduce a statement that contrasts with the fact that something doesn't occur often. For example: "The side effects are serious, but "while infrequent", they are worth noting."

What are some alternatives to "while infrequent"?

Alternatives to "while infrequent" include "although uncommon", "even if rare", or "despite its rarity". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "while infrequent"?

Yes, "while infrequent" is grammatically correct. The "while" acts as a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause, and "infrequent" serves as an adjective describing the frequency of an event.

What's the difference between "while infrequent" and "although rare"?

Both phrases express a similar idea, but "while infrequent" may suggest a slightly more expected or accepted infrequency, whereas "although rare" might highlight the unexpectedness of the occurrence despite its rarity.