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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.

REM-9/2009-01

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Correct use of seldom (REM-9/2009-01) - Comments

 
 
 
 
 
 
  

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