Somewhat unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Somewhat unusual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not typical or expected, but not entirely out of the ordinary. Example: "The weather this time of year has been somewhat unusual, with warmer temperatures than usual for autumn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Somewhat unusual for a popular app, Favstar appears to have always been bootstrapped.

TechCrunch

Somewhat unusual was the lack of any significant LD among the SNPs investigated.

BMC Cancer

Cannondale is somewhat unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

Doan had a somewhat unusual perspective.

The New York Times - Sports

This is "somewhat unusual," he added.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I had a somewhat unusual trajectory.

Harvard University

"What's he thinking?" This was somewhat unusual.

The New York Times - Magazine

She makes for a somewhat unusual Rosina.

The Guardian - Music

It's a somewhat unusual but practical arrangement.

The New York Times - Food

And Mr. Jobs's case is somewhat unusual.

The New York Times - Tech

"Alumni relations at MIT are somewhat unusual," Vest said.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "somewhat unusual" to describe situations or characteristics that deviate slightly from the norm, adding a nuanced perspective without implying extreme abnormality. This can soften potentially critical observations, making your writing more diplomatic.

Common error

Avoid using "somewhat unusual" when describing situations that are clearly bizarre or highly irregular. For scenarios that are drastically different, stronger terms like "extraordinary" or "unprecedented" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "somewhat unusual" primarily functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase. It qualifies nouns by indicating a slight deviation from the expected or typical. As supported by Ludwig, this phrase adds nuance without implying extreme abnormality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

26%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "somewhat unusual" serves as a nuanced descriptor, indicating a mild deviation from the norm without implying extreme abnormality. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and academic writing, its neutral tone makes it suitable for a broad range of audiences. When aiming for more precise expression, alternatives like "slightly atypical" or "moderately uncommon" can be considered. Remember to avoid using "somewhat unusual" for situations that are highly irregular or bizarre, as stronger terms would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slightly atypical

Emphasizes the deviation from the typical, using a more formal tone.

Moderately uncommon

Highlights the infrequency of the occurrence, maintaining a neutral tone.

Somewhat out of the ordinary

Focuses on the departure from what is considered normal, using more descriptive language.

Kind of peculiar

Suggests a slight strangeness or oddity, with a more informal tone.

A bit unconventional

Stresses the lack of adherence to conventions, keeping a neutral tone.

Slightly offbeat

Implies a subtle quirkiness or eccentricity.

Somewhat divergent

Highlights the difference or departure from a standard or norm.

A little exceptional

Emphasizes the rarity or distinctiveness, but with a hint of positive connotation.

A tad unorthodox

Focuses on the lack of adherence to traditional or established methods.

Relatively rare

Highlights the infrequency, maintaining a formal tone.

FAQs

How can I use "Somewhat unusual" in a sentence?

You can use "somewhat unusual" to describe something that deviates slightly from the norm. For example: "The weather this year has been "somewhat unusual", with significantly higher temperatures than average."

What's the difference between "somewhat unusual" and "very unusual"?

"Somewhat unusual" indicates a slight deviation from the norm, while "very unusual" suggests a significant departure. Choose "somewhat unusual" when the situation is only mildly surprising, and "very unusual" when it's markedly different.

What can I say instead of "somewhat unusual"?

You can use alternatives like "slightly atypical", "moderately uncommon", or "a bit unconventional" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Somewhat unusual" in formal writing?

Yes, "somewhat unusual" is suitable for formal writing, offering a balanced and nuanced description. It's generally more appropriate than informal alternatives such as "kind of weird" or "sort of strange".