a very strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a very strange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unusual or out of the ordinary, often to emphasize the degree of strangeness. Example: "I had a very strange dream last night that I still can't quite understand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A very strange day.

The New York Times

It's a very strange thing.

The New York Times

"It's a very strange verdict".

The New York Times - Sports

"A very strange, enchanted boy".

The New Yorker

"A very strange chap".

The Guardian - Books

A very strange time.

The Guardian - Tech

A very strange man.

The Guardian - Film

That's a very strange experience.

Princeton University

That's a very strange notation.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Gluten is a very strange protein.

The New Yorker

But this is a very strange conclusion.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary! While "a very strange" is perfectly acceptable, explore alternatives like "highly peculiar" or "distinctly abnormal" to add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "a very strange" as it can become repetitive. Use synonyms or rephrase sentences to add variety to your writing and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very strange" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its unusual or peculiar quality. Ludwig provides many examples in which "a very strange" is used to describe nouns like "day", "thing", "verdict", "boy", "chap", "time", "man", "experience", "notation", "protein".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very strange" is a common and grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe something unusual or peculiar. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, consider synonyms to enrich your writing. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia. When employing this phrase, be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely odd

Highlights the deviation from the norm, suggesting a greater degree of strangeness.

remarkably unusual

Focuses on the uncommon nature, possibly implying a deviation from expectations.

distinctly abnormal

Highlights the deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

highly peculiar

Emphasizes the unusual nature but may imply a more academic or formal context.

singularly odd

Stresses the uniqueness of the strangeness.

quite bizarre

Implies an element of the fantastical or surreal.

noticeably peculiar

Emphasizes that the strangeness is easily observed.

uncommonly weird

Uses more informal language, indicating a greater degree of eccentricity.

patently weird

Uses a more casual tone, emphasizing the obviousness of the strangeness.

exceptionally curious

Focuses on the intrigue or interest generated by the unusual nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a very strange" to describe something that is unusual, odd, or peculiar. For instance, "It was "a very strange experience" to see a cat wearing a hat" or "He has "a very strange sense" of humor".

What are some alternatives to "a very strange"?

Some alternatives include "highly peculiar", "extremely odd", "quite bizarre", or "remarkably unusual", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a very strange"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used. Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

What's the difference between "a very strange" and "a quite strange"?

While both phrases are similar, "a very strange" emphasizes the degree of strangeness more strongly than "a quite strange". "Very" typically intensifies the adjective more than "quite" does.