while uncommon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while uncommon" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or to indicate that something is rare or not frequently encountered. Example: "While uncommon, some species of fish can survive in extreme temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

1)"You can't get pregnant if you have sex during your period" While uncommon, this can happen.

Independent

While uncommon, the city has hired outside criminal lawyers before; for example, after the 2003 Staten Island Ferry crash, which left 11 people dead and scores injured.

The New York Times

While uncommon (5.6 % incidence), mortality rates from RAA rupture may be as high as 80%[14]4].

Insights into Imaging

While uncommon, the situation of a pregnant woman requiring ventilatory support for respiratory failure is very concerning.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

Large asteroid impacts, while uncommon, can be a large threat to national security and to the human race.

TechCrunch

Diversion due to crowding, while uncommon, is a decision based on real-time data made together by hospital administration, ED directors, and local ambulance authorities.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

He added, "Bungie lost some key employees over the years, which while not uncommon for studios, may be an indication of that".

The New York Times - Tech

The practice of nonsprinters using the 500 meters as a tuneup race, while not uncommon, is controversial, especially in the Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

And those searches, while not uncommon throughout the summer and early fall, rose substantially in the final days of the campaign, after many of the final polls were conducted.

The New York Times

They said that concussions could not be deemed fully healed for at least two or three days and that Tomlin's immediate, public optimism — while not uncommon — misrepresented the seriousness of brain injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

While not uncommon for prescriptions to include repeated burning at short fire return intervals, long-term frequent fire effects in hardwood forests have rarely been quantified.

Forest Ecology and Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while uncommon", ensure the main clause introduces a contrasting or surprising element. For example, "While uncommon, certain medical conditions can present with seemingly unrelated symptoms."

Common error

Avoid using "while uncommon" when there is no actual contrast between the two clauses. For instance, don't say "While uncommon, the sky is blue" because the sky being blue is not usually surprising or contrary to its infrequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while uncommon" functions as an adverbial clause of concession. It introduces a statement that contrasts with the main clause, acknowledging that something is rare or infrequent, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while uncommon" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conjunction phrase that introduces a contrast by acknowledging the rarity of a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in science, news, and wiki contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "while uncommon", be sure to highlight the contrast in the sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while infrequent

Direct synonym replacement for 'uncommon'.

although rare

Replaces "while" with "although", maintaining the contrastive meaning but emphasizing the rarity.

though not typical

Emphasizes the lack of typicality.

though infrequent

Substitutes both "while" and "uncommon" with synonyms, focusing on the lack of frequency.

even if unusual

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the situation despite its rarity.

albeit atypical

A more formal alternative, highlighting the deviation from the norm.

although exceptional

Draws focus on the subject being an exception.

despite its rarity

Shifts the focus to the condition of being rare, explicitly stating it.

notwithstanding its infrequency

A formal option that underscores the infrequent nature of the subject.

in spite of being scarce

Highlights the limited availability or presence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "while uncommon" to introduce a fact or situation that is not frequently observed or encountered, often followed by a contrasting or surprising statement. For example: "While uncommon, "rainbows at night" can occur under specific atmospheric conditions".

What are some alternatives to "while uncommon"?

Alternatives include "although rare", "though infrequent", "even if unusual", or "albeit atypical". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to include a contrasting element when using "while uncommon"?

Yes, the primary function of "while uncommon" is to set up a contrast. The statement following it should present something unexpected or different in light of its rarity. Without a contrast, other phrases like "rarely" or "infrequently" might be more appropriate.

Can "while uncommon" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "while uncommon" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, consider alternatives like "albeit atypical" or "notwithstanding its infrequency" for a more sophisticated tone.