a strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something unusual or out of the ordinary, often followed by a noun. Example: "She had a strange feeling that something was not right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a strange development.

The New York Times - Books

A strange silence descended.

Independent

It's a strange season.

The New York Times

"It's a strange day.

The New York Times

"It's a strange thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"What a strange bloke!

The New Yorker

A strange scent emanated.

The New York Times

They're a strange bunch.

Independent

It's a strange dynamic.

The Guardian

A strange walked in.

The New Yorker

That's a strange situation.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, follow "a strange" with specific details. For instance, instead of just saying "It was a strange day", specify "It was a strange day, filled with unexpected coincidences and unusual encounters."

Common error

Avoid using "a strange" as a standalone description without further explanation. If you find yourself unable to articulate why something is strange, consider using a more precise adjective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strange" typically functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It indicates that the noun it modifies possesses unusual or unexpected qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strange" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe something unusual or peculiar. Ludwig AI analysis shows it appears frequently in news and media sources, serving to express curiosity or concern about deviations from the norm. While versatile, it's best used with clarifying context to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "an unusual" or "a peculiar" can provide nuanced variations. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English, highlighting its reliability in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual

Replaces "strange" with "unusual", indicating something not commonly encountered.

a peculiar

Substitutes "strange" with "peculiar", suggesting something odd or eccentric.

an odd

Uses "odd" instead of "strange", implying something differing from what is normal or expected.

a curious

Replaces "strange" with "curious", highlighting something that piques interest due to its oddness.

a remarkable

Substitutes "strange" with "remarkable", indicating something worthy of attention due to its unusual nature.

a mysterious

Uses "mysterious" instead of "strange", suggesting something difficult to understand or explain.

an atypical

Replaces "strange" with "atypical", describing something not representative of a typical type or group.

an uncommon

Substitutes "strange" with "uncommon", indicating something not frequently found or seen.

a weird

Uses "weird" instead of "strange", implying something strikingly odd or unusual.

an extraordinary

Replaces "strange" with "extraordinary", suggesting something beyond what is ordinary or usual.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strange" to describe something that is unusual, odd, or peculiar. For example, "It was "a strange feeling" to be back in my hometown after so many years."

What are some alternatives to "a strange"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an unusual", "a peculiar", or "an odd".

Is it more appropriate to say "a strange" or "an strange"?

The correct phrasing is "a strange" because the word "strange" begins with a consonant sound. The article "a" is used before consonant sounds, while "an" is used before vowel sounds.

What's the difference between "a strange" and "a mysterious"?

"A strange" generally implies something is unusual or odd, while "a mysterious" suggests something is difficult to understand or explain. "A strange coincidence" might be unexpected, but "a mysterious coincidence" implies an unknown cause or connection.