Learn how to use the comparative “less common” and superlative “least common” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “uncommon”?

The comparative form of “uncommon” is “less common”.

Example

Using a typewriter is less common than using a computer.

Example

Eating insects as a protein source is less common than eating meat.

What is the superlative form of “uncommon”?

The superlative form of “uncommon” is “least common”.

Example

Among all the colors, purple is the least common.

Example

The sport of curling is the least common in my country.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

"Least" and "less" are used with "common" to form the superlative and comparative forms. The forms "less common" and "least common" are commonly used to indicate a lower degree of occurrence or popularity.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

"Common" follows the regular pattern of using "less" and "least" for forming comparatives and superlatives.

Expressions with similar meanings to “less common”

less frequent

Used to describe something that happens or appears less often.

Example

Rainfall in the desert is less frequent than in a rainforest.

less popular

Used to indicate that something is not as widely liked or preferred.

Example

Traditional music is less popular among young people.

Expressions with similar meanings to “least common”

least frequent

Used to describe something that happens or appears the least often.

Example

Snowfall is the least frequent in this region.

least popular

Used to indicate that something is the least liked or preferred.

Example

The movie received mixed reviews and was the least popular among the audience.

Using than with comparative “less common”

When using the comparative form "less common" to compare two things, you would use "than" to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "Using a typewriter is less common than using a computer." Here, "than" is used to show that the level of occurrence of "using a typewriter" is lower than the level of occurrence of "using a computer."

How can I use this expression in context?

“less common” and “least common” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Technology

  Fax machines are less common nowadays.

  Fax machines are less common nowadays.

• 2. Food

  Eating insects is the least common dietary choice in Western countries.

  Eating insects is the least common dietary choice in Western countries.

• 3. Languages

  Swahili is less common than English as a global language.

  Swahili is less common than English as a global language.

• 4. Hobbies

  Stamp collecting is the least common hobby among young people.

  Stamp collecting is the least common hobby among young people.

Related idioms and phrases

A needle in a haystack

Something that is very difficult or impossible to find.

Example

Finding a specific book in that messy library is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Out of the ordinary

Unusual or not typical.

Example

Her fashion sense is always out of the ordinary.