a most unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a most unusual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the uniqueness or strangeness of something, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The scientist discovered a most unusual species of plant that had never been documented before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is a most unusual response.

The New York Times - Magazine

Trucks arrive, carrying a most unusual cargo.

Independent

A most unusual and wonderful man.

The New York Times

I have a most unusual mother.

The New York Times

This is a most unusual book.

The Guardian

He was a most unusual, intriguing, interesting character".

Independent

He is a most unusual, rather special, young man.

The Guardian - Sport

What caught their eye was a most unusual tapestry.

The New York Times - Arts

But last August I took a most unusual plunge.

The New York Times - Travel

This was a most unusual way to treat Thurber's correspondence.

The New York Times - Books

It's a most unusual anthem that has no chorus.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a most unusual" to add a touch of formality and emphasis when describing something that deviates significantly from the norm. It can be particularly effective in setting a tone of intrigue or surprise.

Common error

While "a most unusual" is correct, avoid overusing "most" with other adjectives, as it can sound stilted. Consider using adverbs like 'very', 'highly', or 'extremely' for a more natural tone in many cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a most unusual" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to emphasize its distinctiveness or rarity. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently employed to highlight something that deviates significantly from the norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a most unusual" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to emphasize the unique or exceptional nature of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While leaning towards a formal register, its adaptability makes it suitable for highlighting distinctiveness across various subjects. To sound more creative, try alternatives like "highly uncommon", "remarkably rare", or "strikingly peculiar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly uncommon

Replaces "most unusual" with "highly uncommon", emphasizing rarity while keeping a formal tone.

a remarkably rare

Switches to "remarkably rare", highlighting infrequency and adding emphasis.

a strikingly peculiar

Emphasizes oddness or distinctiveness by using "strikingly peculiar".

an exceptionally odd

Focuses on the strangeness of something, replacing "unusual" with "odd" and intensifying it with "exceptionally".

an extraordinarily unique

Highlights the singular nature of something, though "unique" is already absolute, "extraordinarily" adds impact.

a particularly atypical

Replaces "unusual" with "atypical", which means not representative of a type, and uses "particularly" for emphasis.

a decidedly strange

Conveys a sense of something being definitely odd or unfamiliar.

an incredibly rare

Emphasizes how infrequent something is by using "incredibly rare".

a significantly different

Shifts the focus to the degree of difference, indicating something stands apart from the norm considerably.

a truly exceptional

Highlights the outstanding or superior quality of something, rather than its uncommonness.

FAQs

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

You can use "a most unusual" to describe something that is significantly different from what is typically expected. For instance, "The detective encountered "a most unusual case" involving a series of bizarre events".

What are some alternatives to "a most unusual"?

Alternatives include "highly uncommon", "remarkably rare", or "strikingly peculiar". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a most unusual" considered formal language?

Yes, "a most unusual" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, phrases like "really weird" or "super strange" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a most unusual" and "very unusual"?

While both convey that something is not typical, "a most unusual" adds a degree of emphasis and formality compared to the more straightforward "very unusual". The former suggests a more significant departure from the norm.