a bizarre request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a bizarre request" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a request that is strange or unusual in nature. Example: "When she asked me to help her train her pet iguana to dance, I couldn't help but think it was a bizarre request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I have always been taught that guest is god, and god cannot have a bizarre request".

The New York Times - Travel

In what was widely regarded as a bizarre request, Mr. Leibell wrote to the judge in February and asked to be sentenced to serve as a diplomat in the Middle East in lieu of an 18- to 24-month prison sentence, which he agreed to as part of his plea.

The New York Times

When the Mayor of Aberdeen, Wash., received a postcard from Sapporo, Japan with a bizarre request, he figured it was a joke.

Huffington Post

Even after securing a deal with the US attorneys office, no one was sure how Judge England, who had previously thrown the book at McDavid, would react to such a bizarre request.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"There has even been one MP coming out saying referees should declare their allegiances before matches which seemed a very bizarre request and quite frankly I think they have had enough.

Independent

Ansari seems determined, though, even sending out tweets to Shonda Rhimes on Wednesday with the idea — including a truly bizarre request: Tom and Olivia dating -- further demonstrating the hold "Scandal" has taken.

Los Angeles Times

"This was different because he was armed and engaged the first person he saw with an extremely bizarre request," he told the paper.

Huffington Post

Do you get any bizarre requests from them?

Vice

"What do you mean I have to pee in a bag?" the woman asked, capturing the bizarre request on video.

Vice

The most bizarre request came from the wife of a movie star; their young daughter had made a design with yellow Post-Its on the marble floor of their suite.

The New York Times

They with their awkwardness, blunders and politeness, she with her hesitancy and her bizarre request for white wine (the publican has a bottle somewhere in the back).

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a bizarre request" when you want to describe a request that deviates significantly from the norm and evokes a sense of strangeness or disbelief.

Common error

Avoid using "bizarre" excessively. While effective in certain contexts, overuse can dilute its impact. Consider using more nuanced adjectives like "unconventional" or "peculiar" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a bizarre request" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "bizarre" modifies the noun "request". It describes a specific type of request, highlighting its unusual or strange nature. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a bizarre request" is a valid and usable phrase in English, although Ludwig AI suggests it is not exceedingly common. It functions as a noun phrase used to describe a request that is unusual, strange, or odd. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, leaning slightly towards informal. While grammatically correct, alternatives like "an odd request" or "a strange request" may be considered depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an odd request

Replaces "bizarre" with "odd", suggesting something unusual but perhaps less extreme.

a strange request

Substitutes "bizarre" with "strange", indicating something unusual and possibly perplexing.

an unusual request

Uses "unusual" instead of "bizarre", highlighting the uncommon nature of the request.

a peculiar request

Employs "peculiar", suggesting something slightly eccentric or out of the ordinary.

an outlandish request

Replaces "bizarre" with "outlandish", emphasizing the request's strangeness and unreasonableness.

a weird request

Uses "weird" instead of "bizarre", providing a more informal and colloquial feel.

a curious request

Substitutes "bizarre" with "curious", indicating the request evokes interest or intrigue due to its strangeness.

an unconventional request

Replaces "bizarre" with "unconventional", emphasizing deviation from established norms.

an eccentric request

Uses "eccentric", suggesting the request stems from an unconventional or quirky personality.

a preposterous request

Substitutes "bizarre" with "preposterous", highlighting the absurdity and unreasonableness of the request.

FAQs

What does "a bizarre request" mean?

The phrase "a bizarre request" refers to a request that is odd, strange, or unusual, often to a degree that it's surprising or difficult to understand. It implies that the request deviates significantly from what is considered normal or expected.

What can I say instead of "a bizarre request"?

You can use alternatives like "an odd request", "a strange request", or "an unusual request" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a bizarre request"?

It's appropriate to use "a bizarre request" when you want to emphasize that the request is not just unusual, but also somewhat shocking or difficult to comprehend. It's suitable for situations where the request is particularly out of the ordinary.

Is "a bizarre request" formal or informal language?

"A bizarre request" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards informal due to the strong connotation of "bizarre". Consider the audience and the specific context when choosing whether to use this phrase.