a strange concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strange concept" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an idea or notion that is unusual or difficult to understand. Example: "The theory presented in the lecture was a strange concept that challenged our traditional views on the subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Such a strange concept".

The New Yorker

Holidays appear to be a strange concept.

The Guardian

Humility is a strange concept for Donald Trump.

The Guardian

I'm not here to do reviews, because that's such a strange concept in fashion.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's a strange concept," he says, "and I was the first to say it wouldn't work".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

While a personal brand seems like a strange concept, it's actually incredibly important.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Q: It's a pretty strange concept to see a credit card company become an entertainment company.

Huffington Post

It's a very strange concept.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I think it's a slightly strange concept.

The Guardian

Avoiding wins of any kind is a rather strange concept in sports.

The New York Times

This is a very strange concept; it's hard to understand how it made sense even in 1913.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strange concept", ensure the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand why the concept is considered strange. This can involve contrasting it with more familiar or conventional ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "a strange concept" as a standalone judgment. Provide context or reasoning to clarify why the concept is strange to the reader. Otherwise, it can come across as vague or dismissive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a strange concept" functions as a noun phrase, where "strange" modifies the noun "concept". It commonly introduces ideas or notions that are perceived as unusual, peculiar, or unfamiliar. Ludwig examples showcase its usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a strange concept" is a versatile expression used to introduce ideas that are perceived as unusual or unfamiliar. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly employed across various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. While it's important to provide context when using this phrase to ensure clarity, it remains a valuable tool for signaling the need for further explanation or justification of a particular concept. Alternatives like "an odd notion" or "a peculiar idea" can be used to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an odd notion

Replaces "strange concept" with synonyms that also indicate something unusual.

a peculiar idea

Substitutes "strange" and "concept" with words that convey a sense of something being out of the ordinary.

an unusual thought

Replaces "concept" with "thought", emphasizing the mental aspect of the strange idea.

a bizarre notion

Uses "bizarre" to intensify the strangeness of the concept.

a curious idea

Employs "curious" to suggest the concept is intriguing in its strangeness.

an unconventional concept

Highlights the concept's departure from the norm.

a weird thought

Uses "weird" as a more informal synonym for "strange".

an outlandish idea

Emphasizes the concept's bizarreness and unorthodoxy.

a novel concept

Highlights the newness and unfamiliarity of the concept.

an unfamiliar idea

Emphasizes the lack of prior knowledge or experience with the concept.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strange concept" to introduce an idea that deviates from the norm or is difficult to comprehend. For example, "Quantum entanglement is "a strange concept" that challenges our understanding of physics".

What are some alternatives to "a strange concept"?

Alternatives include "an odd notion", "a peculiar idea", or "an unconventional concept", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to describe something as "a strange concept"?

It's appropriate when introducing an idea that is unfamiliar, counterintuitive, or deviates significantly from established norms or expectations. Be sure to provide context or explanation to help your audience understand why it's considered strange.

Is "a strange concept" the same as "a difficult concept"?

While related, they are not identical. "A difficult concept" implies something hard to understand, while "a strange concept" suggests something unusual or peculiar, which may or may not be difficult to grasp. A concept can be strange because it's new or counterintuitive, not necessarily because it's complex.