Rarely

Definition

Rarely is an adverb that describes the infrequency of an action or event, indicating that something happens on uncommon occasions. This term is often used to modify verbs, and it helps provide clarity about how often something occurs, contributing to the overall meaning of a sentence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rarely can be used in various tenses, allowing for flexibility in sentence construction while discussing infrequent actions.
2. In a sentence, 'rarely' typically appears before the main verb but after the auxiliary verbs, influencing the emphasis of the sentence.
3. When used in a negative construction, 'rarely' can convey a stronger sense of infrequency compared to simply stating 'not often.'
4. The use of 'rarely' can add nuance to a narrative by conveying a character's unusual behaviors or preferences, enhancing storytelling.
5. In comparative contexts, 'rarely' can be paired with other adverbs like 'more' or 'less' to discuss varying frequencies of actions.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'rarely' impact the meaning of a sentence when describing frequency?
  • 'Rarely' emphasizes that an action occurs infrequently, shaping the reader's understanding of how common or uncommon that action is. This adverb helps set expectations about events or behaviors by clearly indicating their limited occurrence. By using 'rarely,' writers can highlight unusual circumstances, which can create tension or intrigue in narratives.
• Compare and contrast the use of 'rarely' with 'occasionally' in modifying verbs.
  • 'Rarely' suggests that an action happens infrequently, perhaps only once in a while, while 'occasionally' indicates a slightly higher frequency of occurrence. When modifying verbs, choosing between these two adverbs changes the tone and expectation regarding how often the action takes place. For example, saying 'I rarely go to the movies' implies a much lower frequency than 'I occasionally go to the movies,' which indicates more regularity in attending films.
• Evaluate the role of 'rarely' in character development within a narrative context and its effect on reader perception.
  • 'Rarely' can serve as a powerful tool in character development by illustrating traits such as unpredictability or uniqueness. When a character is described as doing something rarely, it not only defines their behavior but also shapes how readers perceive them. This infrequent action might suggest that they are special or have specific reasons for their choices, prompting readers to delve deeper into their motivations and personality. Thus, the use of 'rarely' enriches character complexity and engages readers more effectively.

Related terms

occasionally: An adverb that describes something happening from time to time, but with a higher frequency than rarely.

frequently: An adverb indicating that an action or event happens often or regularly, as opposed to rarely.

seldom: An adverb similar to rarely, used to indicate that something does not happen often but might occur more frequently than what rarely suggests.