a somewhat strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a somewhat strange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unusual or peculiar in a mild manner. Example: "The painting had a somewhat strange quality that intrigued the viewers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Bannister's trip to Brooklyn was a somewhat strange one.

The New York Times - Sports

(It was a somewhat strange affinity; many had never driven in their home country).

The New York Times

For Ms. Cantwell and Ms. Murray, it has been a somewhat strange dynamic.

The New York Times

But that's what makes Mr. Dennis a somewhat strange critic of cultural stereotyping.

The New York Times

In isolation, it was a somewhat strange decision by Collingwood supporters.

The Guardian - Sport

It is a somewhat strange turn of events for Lehman, for whom Archstone represents an unpleasant memory.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

However, the field of candidates arrayed against him are a colorful, if somewhat strange, group of politicians who share little more than an allegiance to far right ideology and the inability to win a general election against Barack Obama.

Huffington Post

Akinfeev was disconsolate as he trudged off the pitch and into an encouraging if somewhat strange high five from Capello.

The Guardian - Sport

All this requires a very particular – and somewhat strange – set of talents and fascinations.

The Guardian - Film

As Leon sped around corners and through local communities, the visual of him cycling on a high-tech and somewhat strange looking piece of equipment, turned every head -- faces of perplexity, melting into complete joy.

Huffington Post

The result is a smart, visually impressive but somewhat strange and idiosyncratic exhibition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a somewhat strange" to introduce an element of mild surprise or peculiarity without being overly dramatic. It's suitable for formal and informal contexts where a neutral tone is desired.

Common error

Avoid using multiple adverbs to modify "strange", as this can make your writing sound redundant or awkward. For instance, phrases like "a very somewhat strange" or "a rather somewhat strange" should be avoided.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a somewhat strange" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe its quality. It indicates that something possesses a mild degree of peculiarity or oddness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a somewhat strange" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that describes something with a mild degree of peculiarity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, with a neutral tone. It is commonly found in news and media sources. Alternative phrases include "a rather strange" and "a slightly odd". To enhance your writing, avoid overuse or redundant qualifiers and always use "a somewhat strange" when you want to convey a sense of mild surprise without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mildly strange

The intensity of the strangeness is decreased.

a rather strange

Replaces "somewhat" with "rather", indicating a similar level of strangeness.

a slightly odd

Substitutes "strange" for "odd" and "somewhat" for "slightly", which are near synonyms.

a bit peculiar

Changes the wording to "a bit peculiar", conveying a similar meaning with slightly different terms.

a tad unusual

Replaces "strange" with "unusual" and "somewhat" with "a tad", slightly softening the sentiment.

a little bizarre

Uses "bizarre" instead of "strange", intensifying the degree of oddness, and replaces "somewhat" with "a little".

a distinctly odd

Emphasizes the oddness more strongly with the word "distinctly".

a markedly peculiar

Replaces "strange" with "peculiar" and "somewhat" with "markedly", indicating a noticeable strangeness.

an unusually weird

Substitutes "strange" with "weird" and "somewhat" with "unusually", increasing the emphasis on the oddity.

a surprisingly atypical

Uses "atypical" instead of "strange" and "surprisingly" instead of "somewhat", suggesting something out of the ordinary.

FAQs

How can I use "a somewhat strange" in a sentence?

You can use "a somewhat strange" to describe something that is a little unusual or peculiar. For example, "It was "a somewhat strange" coincidence that they met again after so many years."

What phrases are similar to "a somewhat strange"?

Alternatives include "a rather strange", "a slightly odd", or "a bit peculiar", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a somewhat strange" in formal writing?

Yes, "a somewhat strange" is appropriate in formal writing. The word "somewhat" makes the phrase mild and suitable for neutral or professional contexts.

Which is more emphatic, "a somewhat strange" or "a very strange"?

"A very strange" is more emphatic. "A somewhat strange" indicates a milder degree of strangeness compared to "a very strange."