a peculiar concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a peculiar concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an idea or notion that is unusual or distinctive in some way. Example: "The artist's latest work presents a peculiar concept that challenges traditional views of beauty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Which is a peculiar concept, given its ragged path.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The overall inability of monitors to classify trees based on coarse wood hardness categories may arise from a misunderstanding of this peculiar concept.

Carbon Balance and Management

One of the first styles to be described, noted ethnographer, and caricaturist Miguel Covarrubias stated that it "reaches the limits of absurd, brutal caricature, a peculiar aesthetic concept that relishes the creation of haunting subhuman monstrosities".

Wikipedia

This is arguably because Ockham's distinction is cast in terms of intrinsic and extrinsic middles, peculiar concepts belonging to the Boethian framework which was already losing its influence by Ockham's time (Green-Pedersen 1984).

SEP

Last year, Changfeng brought only a peculiar array of concept vehicles, including a rhomboid sedan with a bamboo dashboard and four wheels distributed over three axles.

The New York Times

It's made by Thrustmaster, and is a peculiar design in concept.

TechCrunch

In particular, 2011's Dark Souls has a peculiar fascination with the concept of undeath, which carries a spiritual resonance that compares to the concept of sin in certain forms of Christianity.

Vice

Americans have developed a peculiar reverence for the concept of "reality".

The New York Times - Books

The Optimus Vu has garnered more than a few comparisons to the Galaxy Note, but it's definitely a peculiar take on the concept that Samsung has been running with.

TechCrunch

Complaints like the ones brought by Carlton and Lack represent a peculiar development for sexual-harassment law and especially for the concept of "hostile environment".

The New York Times - Magazine

In part, I suspect, this is because of a peculiar phenomenon that exists in the world of technology, where the concept of "legacy" has become a dirty word.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a peculiar concept" to introduce an idea that deviates from the norm, inviting curiosity and further exploration from your audience.

Common error

While "a peculiar concept" is acceptable, excessive use can make your writing sound affected. Consider using more neutral terms like "unusual idea" or "distinctive concept" in formal contexts to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a peculiar concept" functions as a noun phrase, where "peculiar" modifies the noun "concept". It introduces a noun that is somewhat strange, unusual, or distinctive. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a peculiar concept" serves to introduce ideas that are unusual or distinctive. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively employed to signal that an idea deviates from the norm. While generally neutral in register, leaning slightly towards formal, it's important to consider context and audience when using this phrase, as overuse may detract from clarity. Related phrases such as "an unusual idea" or "a strange notion" can provide suitable alternatives, with the ultimate choice depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Sources such as The New York Times and The New Yorker demonstrate the phrase's use in reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual idea

Focuses on the deviation from the norm, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the concept.

a strange notion

Highlights the odd or unfamiliar quality of the concept, suggesting it might be difficult to understand.

a curious theory

Implies the concept is interesting and worthy of investigation, perhaps even intriguing.

a bizarre idea

Intensifies the strangeness, suggesting the concept is outlandish or eccentric.

a distinctive concept

Emphasizes that the concept stands out from others, possessing unique characteristics.

an odd proposition

Highlights the unconventional or unexpected nature of the suggestion or statement.

an eccentric view

Suggests the concept is held by someone with unconventional or slightly strange opinions.

an unconventional belief

Focuses on the concept as a departure from established or widely accepted norms.

a singular idea

Highlights the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the concept.

a remarkable concept

Suggests the concept is noteworthy or exceptional, deserving attention.

FAQs

How can I use "a peculiar concept" in a sentence?

You might say, "The film explores "a peculiar concept" of time travel" or "Her research delves into "a peculiar concept" of reality."

What are some alternatives to "a peculiar concept"?

Alternatives include "an unusual idea", "a strange notion", or "a curious theory" depending on the specific context.

Is "a peculiar concept" formal or informal?

"A peculiar concept" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. In more formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "a distinctive concept" or "a remarkable concept".

What makes "a peculiar concept" different from "an unusual idea"?

While both describe something out of the ordinary, "a peculiar concept" implies a more inherent strangeness or oddity in the idea itself, whereas "an unusual idea" simply suggests it's not commonly encountered.