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> Correct use of seldom
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Linguistic Reminder
Correct use of seldom
Problem |
Because most adverbs end in ly, some people mistakenly add ly to the adverb seldom. |
Solution |
Seldom is both an adverb and an adjective. Seldomly is non-standard English.
Use seldom
- as an adverb
Ontarians seldom (not seldomly) have such warm weather in November.
- as an adjective
A weekend without a drop of rain is a seldom occurrence in Vancouver.
Note: The use of seldom as an adjective is rare. Consider using a synonym instead. For example:
A weekend without a drop of rain is an uncommon occurrence in Vancouver.
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REM-9/2009-01
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