a novelty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a novelty" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to something new or unfamiliar, often in a positive or intriguing way. Example: "The new restaurant in town is a novelty, offering unique fusion cuisine that has never been seen before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A year ago, Cruz was a novelty.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a novelty.

The New Yorker

"It's a novelty," Blatter added.

Independent

A novelty in this house.

The New Yorker

Tourism is still a novelty.

Independent

The M5S is a novelty.

The Economist

"She's a novelty".

The New York Times

What a novelty.

The New York Times

This was a novelty.

The New York Times - Health

"A novelty band".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now there's a novelty.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a novelty" to introduce an element of intrigue or excitement in your writing. Frame the subject as something new and captivating to immediately pique reader interest.

Common error

While "a novelty" can be effective, avoid overuse. Over time, repeated novelties can lose their charm and dilute the impact of each new element. Instead, aim for a balanced mix of familiar and new to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a novelty" typically functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or object complement. It describes something new, unusual, or interesting, often implying a temporary or fleeting interest. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a novelty" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces something new or unusual. Ludwig AI confirms it's broad applicability, commonly appearing in news and media. When employing this phrase, consider your audience's perspective and avoid overusing it to prevent diluting its impact. Semantically related alternatives include "a new experience" and "a unique thing". Remember to frame the subject in a way that captures interest, and avoid using "a novelty" to describe people in potentially objectifying ways.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a new experience

Focuses on the aspect of experiencing something unfamiliar.

an unusual item

Highlights the characteristic of being out of the ordinary or uncommon.

a fresh development

Emphasizes the innovative and recent nature of something.

a unique thing

Stresses the singularity and distinctiveness of an object or event.

an oddity

Conveys the idea of something strange or peculiar.

a rare occurrence

Indicates that something does not happen often.

an innovation

Highlights the inventive and pioneering aspect of something.

a change of pace

Suggests a departure from the routine or the usual.

an exceptional case

Points to something that stands out as being different or better than the norm.

something different

A general way to express deviation from the standard.

FAQs

How can I use "a novelty" in a sentence?

You can use "a novelty" to describe something new or unusual. For example, "The vanishing spray used in the World Cup was "a novelty" at first, but quickly became standard."

What are some alternatives to "a novelty"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a new experience", "a unique thing", or "an unusual item" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "a novelty"?

While grammatically correct, describing a person as "a novelty" can be perceived as objectifying or demeaning. Use caution and consider more sensitive alternatives depending on your intention.

What's the difference between "a novelty" and "an innovation"?

"A novelty" refers to something new or unusual, while "an innovation" implies a new method, idea, or product that is also an improvement or advancement. An innovation is more focused on improvement while a novelty is just something new or different.