rarely/seldom if ever

phrase

—used as a more forceful way to say "rarely" or "seldom"

I have seldom if ever been so embarrassed.

Note: Rarely if ever and seldom if ever can be written both with or without commas

Such radical opinions have rarely, if ever, been heard here before.

She rarely if ever sings anymore.

Examples of rarely/seldom if ever in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rarely one to publicly comment on her personal life, Beyoncé has seldom if ever addressed the subject of her parents' divorce. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026

Stays are rarely if ever granted where no indictment has yet been returned, the insurer’s attorneys said in court filings. — Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 3 Dec. 2025

The offerings have also included fantasy items that rarely if ever sell, but make the catalog a must-browse escape for some recipients. — Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025