Rarely vs. Sometimes — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
Rarely signifies infrequent occurrence, suggesting something happens seldom. Sometimes, on the other hand, indicates occasional occurrence, hinting at more frequent events than "rarely."
Difference Between Rarely and Sometimes
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Rarely refers to events or actions that happen infrequently, often with long intervals in between. This can apply to activities, phenomena, or behaviors that are not part of one's regular routine or experience. Whereas sometimes suggests a moderate frequency, implying that the events or actions occur with some regularity, but not often enough to be considered common or habitual.
In terms of probability, "rarely" suggests a lower likelihood of occurrence compared to "sometimes." Rarely might be used to describe events that one does not expect to happen often, highlighting their scarcity. On the other hand, sometimes conveys a sense of unpredictability but with a greater chance of happening, indicating that while not regular, the events or actions are not uncommon.
When discussing habits or routines, rarely is often used to point out exceptions to one's usual behavior or occurrences in one's life, suggesting something is out of the ordinary. Sometimes, however, indicates that while an activity isn't a staple of one's daily life, it's incorporated often enough to be notable.
In the context of frequency, rarely and sometimes serve as useful indicators of how often an event or action takes place within a given time frame. Rarely might be used for events that occur less than 10% of the time, as a rough guideline, whereas sometimes might be applied to events occurring anywhere from 10% to 50% of the time, offering a broader range of frequency.
The choice between rarely and sometimes can also reflect a speaker's attitude or perception towards the frequency of an event. Using "rarely" may emphasize a desire for more frequent occurrence or a feeling of scarcity, while "sometimes" might suggest a comfortable balance between scarcity and abundance.
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Comparison Chart
Frequency
Very low, suggests infrequency
Moderate, indicates occasional but not frequent occurrences
Probability
Low likelihood of occurrence
Higher likelihood than rarely, but not guaranteed
Routine/Usage
Used to describe exceptions to the norm
Used to describe activities that occur with some regularity
Perception
Implies scarcity or a significant deviation from the norm
Suggests a balanced occurrence, neither too rare nor too common
Example Context
"I rarely eat fast food." suggests a health-conscious choice
"I sometimes eat fast food." implies moderate indulgence
Compare with Definitions
Rarely
Seldom.
Rarely seen during the day, the nocturnal animals emerge at night.
Sometimes
Now and then.
She sometimes visits her hometown.
Rarely
Not happening often.
She rarely goes to the cinema.
Sometimes
At intervals.
The newsletter is published sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly.
Rarely
Scarce in frequency.
Rarely do we see such dedication.
Sometimes
Occasionally.
Sometimes, all you need is a break.
Rarely
Uncommonly.
Rarely found in this area, the bird is a sight to behold.
Sometimes
From time to time.
He helps out in the kitchen from time to time.
Rarely
Exceptionally.
He rarely complains about his workload.
Sometimes
On certain occasions but not always.
Sometimes, I prefer to walk instead of drive.
Rarely
Not often; seldom
I rarely drive above 50 mph
Sometimes
At times; now and then.
Rarely
Remarkably well
You can write rarely now, after all your schooling
Sometimes
(Obsolete) At some previous time; formerly.
Rarely
Not often; infrequently
"The truth is rarely pure and never simple" (Oscar Wilde).
Sometimes
On certain occasions, or in certain circumstances, but not always.
Sometimes I sit and think, but mostly I just sit.
Rarely
In an unusual degree; exceptionally
"a rarely good judge of the best in modern literature" (Frank Harris).
Sometimes
(obsolete) On a certain occasion in the past; once.
Rarely
With uncommon excellence
"You can write rarely now, after all your schooling" (George Eliot).
Sometimes
(obsolete) Former; sometime.
Rarely
Not occurring at a regular interval; seldom; not often.
We rarely go to the theatre.
Rarely do you ever find an eagle this far up the river.
Sometimes
Formerly; sometime.
That fair and warlike formIn which the majesty of buried DenmarkDid sometimes march.
Rarely
Unusually well; excellently.
Sometimes
At times; at intervals; not always; now and then; occasionally.
It is good that we sometimes be contradicted.
Rarely
To a rare degree; very.
Sometimes
Former; sometime.
Thy sometimes brother's wife.
Rarely
In a rare manner or degree; seldom; not often; as, things rarely seen.
Sometimes
On certain occasions or in certain cases but not always;
Sometimes she wished she were back in England
Sometimes her photography is breathtaking
Sometimes they come for a month; at other times for six months
Rarely
Finely; excellently; with rare skill. See 3d Rare, 2.
The person who played so rarely on the flageolet.
The rest of the apartments are rarely gilded.
Rarely
Not often;
We rarely met
Common Curiosities
Is rarely less frequent than sometimes?
Yes, rarely suggests a lower frequency of occurrence compared to sometimes.
Can rarely and sometimes be used interchangeably?
They cannot be directly interchanged due to differences in frequency implied.
What does rarely mean?
Rarely means something happens infrequently or seldom.
What does sometimes mean?
Sometimes indicates that something happens on certain occasions but not always.
How can I use rarely in a sentence?
E.g., "I rarely watch television during the week."
How can I use sometimes in a sentence?
E.g., "Sometimes, I go for a jog in the morning."
Can something be both rarely and sometimes true?
The use depends on context and perception; they generally suggest different frequencies.
Does rarely mean never?
No, rarely means it does occur, but infrequently.
What is an example of something that happens sometimes?
E.g., "Getting caught in rain happens sometimes when you forget your umbrella."
What is an example of a rare event?
E.g., A solar eclipse is an event that happens rarely.
Which is more common, rarely or sometimes events?
Sometimes events are more common than rarely events.
Can a habit be described as rarely occurring?
Yes, if it's an action that the person seldom engages in.
Do rarely and sometimes have the same meaning?
They do not; they indicate different levels of frequency.
Why might someone choose to use sometimes over rarely?
They might use sometimes if they want to imply a higher frequency or likelihood of occurrence.
Is it correct to say 'I sometimes rarely go out'?
This phrasing is contradictory; choose one based on the intended frequency.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
