a strange bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strange bunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are unusual or eccentric in some way. Example: "The party was filled with a strange bunch of characters, each more unique than the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

They're a strange bunch.

Independent

"We're a strange bunch, but you have to be.

Independent

"We are a strange bunch of people" The Ugly Indian Facebook page says.

The New York Times

The licence fee was used to put a strange bunch of celebrities on board the cruiser with Andrew Neil.

Independent

We are a strange bunch, we who belong to the New Middle Ages, half intractably cynical and half hopelessly expectant.

The New York Times - Magazine

On the show, the 11-year-old Mike -- short for Michelanne -- is a girl from the Bronx who interacts with a strange bunch of natives on a desert island where she has chosen to live as an exchange student.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I don't know, I've met a bunch of the Philips guys, and they're a strange lot.

TechCrunch

But his shipmates are a strange, irrational bunch.

Independent

But "Kaleidoscope," with its barbed, strange bunch of Neptunes songs, didn't sell, and her follow-up, "Wonderland," wasn't even released Stateside.

The New Yorker

Ultimately, we're not sure if "MOM & DAD" makes Richardson himself as vulnerable as it seems to set out to do, but there is certainly a lot learned by flipping through this odd family photo album turned art experiment -- there's no lack of love in this strange bunch.

Huffington Post

This unusual mixture of runners and walkers, fast and slow, serious and silly, means we are a strange-looking bunch.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strange bunch", ensure the context clarifies the specific reason for their strangeness, whether it's their behavior, beliefs, or appearance. This prevents ambiguity and enhances the reader's understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a strange bunch" without providing any context or explanation. This can leave the reader confused and unsure of what makes the group strange. Always offer some specific details to justify the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strange bunch" functions primarily as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting its description of unusual or eccentric groups. Examples show its use in various contexts to describe collections of people deemed odd or peculiar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a strange bunch" serves as a descriptive noun phrase to characterize groups of people deemed unusual or eccentric. Ludwig AI indicates that it's perfectly usable in written English, typically appearing in news and media contexts to describe collections of individuals perceived as odd. While grammatically correct, it's best used with clarifying context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "an odd group" or "a peculiar crowd" offer similar meanings, while more formal alternatives exist for professional settings. As a neutral yet slightly informal expression, it's essential to provide specific details when using "a strange bunch" to ensure clarity and prevent reader confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an odd group

Focuses on the unusual nature of the group.

a peculiar crowd

Emphasizes the strangeness and uncommonness of the assembly.

an unusual set of people

Highlights the atypical composition of the group.

a quirky gathering

Implies a charming but unconventional get-together.

an eccentric assembly

Stresses the odd and unconventional nature of the group.

a singular collective

Underscores the uniqueness and peculiarity of the group.

a motley crew

Suggests a diverse and somewhat disorganized group.

an atypical bunch

Highlights the departure from the norm within the group.

a curious assortment

Focuses on the interesting and unusual mix of individuals.

a weird group of individuals

Directly describes the group as strange and composed of individual people.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strange bunch" to describe a group of people who are unusual or eccentric in some way. For example: "The party was filled with "a strange bunch" of characters, each more unique than the last."

What's a more formal way to say "a strange bunch"?

While "a strange bunch" is generally acceptable, in more formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "an unusual group of individuals" or "a peculiar assembly".

Which is correct, "a strange bunch" or "a strangely bunch"?

"A strange bunch" is correct. "Strangely" is an adverb and doesn't fit in this noun phrase construction. You need the adjective "strange" to modify the noun "bunch".

What are some similar phrases to "a strange bunch"?

You can use alternatives like "an odd group", "a peculiar crowd", or "an unusual set of people depending on the context".