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Prepositions after adjectives

Uncommon for vs. uncommon in

Use uncommon for when describing what is unusual for a person, thing, or situation. Use uncommon in for places, groups, or fields.

Quick answer

How do uncommon for and uncommon in differ?

Uncommon for describes behaviour or qualities that are unusual for someone or something. Uncommon in refers to what is rare within a place, group, period, or field.

It is uncommon for him to be late.
This disease is uncommon in children.
Such storms are uncommon in this region.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
uncommon for + person or thing

Describing unusual behaviour or traits

For identifies the person, object, or situation that the statement relates to.

It is uncommon for her to complain.
Such an error is uncommon for this software.
2
uncommon in + place or group

Showing rarity within a context

In identifies an area, category, or community.

The condition is uncommon in older adults.
That style is uncommon in modern architecture.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
uncommon for
It is uncommon for the shop to close early.
unusual behaviour or circumstance for someone or something
uncommon in
Snow is uncommon in this area.
rare within a place, group, or field
rare in
The species is rare in Europe.
another way to describe low frequency in a context

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using in for behaviour

For is preferred when talking about actions or habits.

✕ It is uncommon in him to forget birthdays. ✓ It is uncommon for him to forget birthdays.

Using for with locations

In is used for places or groups.

✕ Heavy rain is uncommon for this desert. ✓ Heavy rain is uncommon in this desert.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. It is uncommon ___ her to miss a deadline.
2. This plant is uncommon ___ cold climates.
3. Such mistakes are uncommon ___ experienced editors.

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Frequently asked questions

Can uncommon for be followed by an infinitive?

Yes. Structures such as uncommon for someone to do something are very common.

Is uncommon in only used for places?

No. It can also refer to groups, industries, time periods, or fields of study.

Can I use rare instead of uncommon?

Often yes, although rare can sound slightly stronger.

ubiquitous in, on, across, throughout or for? "ugly in", "ugly for" or "ugly of"? ultimate in, of, for, on or as? "unacceptable to", "unacceptable in" or "unacceptable for"? unaccounted for unaccustomed to or in? unacquainted with unaffected by, in, for or with? "unaffordable for" or "unaffordable to"? unanimous in, on, about, regarding or for? "unattractive to" or "unattractive for"? "unavailable for" or "unavailable to"?

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