a strange reason

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a strange reason" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reason that is unusual or unexpected in a particular context. Example: "She gave a strange reason for her absence, claiming she was abducted by aliens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It's a strange reason.

The Guardian

A strange reason, we think.

The New Yorker

Few people outside politics had heard of Jeremy Corbyn before May, though for a strange reason, I had.

Independent

I stopped watching Breaking Bad early in season three for a strange reason: I felt it was bad for my soul.

The Guardian - Music

At 17, Chris is a problem student for a strange reason: he is simply too creative, writing a historical novel (about Mary, Queen of Scots) with great assurance and politely rejecting every suggestion that Rowland makes.

The Guardian - Books

"The Lost Symbol" manages to take a twisting, turning route through many such aspects of the occult even as it heads for a final secret that is surprising for a strange reason: It's unsurprising.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

(As David Remnick writes over at Daily Comment today, that narrative, of a President who for some strange reason has a thing against Christians, has been tangled into a fight about insurance coverage for contraception).

The New Yorker

"All of a sudden, for some strange reason, I just decided to go down and watch my mom have the baby," Ray said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I watched The Little Rascals a lot as a kid, and for some strange reason that stuck up rich kid, all anal and tight-ass, really got me riled up.

Vice

I was going through a "country" thing and for some strange reason the dress came with a pinafore.

Huffington Post

The system, which is currently available online for $399 (with in-store retail availability coming later this year), ships with six games – the aforementioned Pegasus title, plus a tank, race car, helicopter, horse lassoing games, and one involving a pollinating dragonfly, for some strange reason.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a strange reason", ensure the context clearly establishes why the reason is considered strange. Provide enough information for the reader to understand the unusual nature of the justification.

Common error

Avoid using "a strange reason" without providing any explanation as to why the reason is strange. This can leave the reader confused and unsure of what makes the reason unusual.

Linguistic Context

"A strange reason" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "reason". It introduces a justification or explanation that deviates from the expected or typical. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a strange reason" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase that describes an unusual or unexpected justification. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is valid and suitable for use in writing and conversation. Although not exceedingly common, it appears mainly in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral level of formality. When using this phrase, it's best practice to provide adequate context to clarify why the reason is considered strange, preventing potential confusion for the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an odd reason

Replaces "strange" with "odd", maintaining the meaning of something unusual.

a peculiar reason

Substitutes "strange" with "peculiar", suggesting a reason that is uncommon or distinctive.

an unusual reason

Uses "unusual" instead of "strange", emphasizing the uncommon nature of the reason.

an atypical reason

Replaces "strange" with "atypical", highlighting that the reason deviates from the norm.

a bizarre reason

Substitutes "strange" with "bizarre", intensifying the sense of oddity or unexplainableness.

a curious reason

Uses "curious" instead of "strange", implying the reason is interesting or worthy of investigation due to its oddity.

an unexpected reason

Replaces "strange" with "unexpected", focusing on the surprise element of the reason.

an unconventional reason

Substitutes "strange" with "unconventional", suggesting the reason doesn't align with typical norms or standards.

an outlandish reason

Uses "outlandish" instead of "strange", amplifying the sense of the reason being eccentric or absurd.

an unimaginable reason

Replaces "strange" with "unimaginable", emphasizing how difficult it is to believe or comprehend the given reason.

FAQs

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

You can use "a strange reason" to introduce an explanation that is unexpected or unusual. For example: "She quit her job for "a strange reason": she believed she was being watched by squirrels."

What are some alternatives to "a strange reason"?

Some alternatives include "an odd reason", "a peculiar reason", or "an unusual reason". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a strange reason" or "a weird reason"?

Both "a strange reason" and "a weird reason" are acceptable, but "strange" is generally considered more formal. "Weird" might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

Can "a strange reason" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a strange reason" can be used in formal writing, although consider alternatives like "an unconventional reason" or "an atypical reason" for a more sophisticated tone.