abnormal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "abnormal time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a time that is unusual or not typical, often in contexts related to schedules, events, or behaviors. Example: "The meeting was scheduled for an abnormal time, making it difficult for many team members to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

End of normal time: Golly, we're about to enter abnormal time.

The Guardian - Sport

"It really provides some first aid in this abnormal time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Normal comes to power at an abnormal time, with the debt crisis taking another lurch for the worse.

The Economist

If only, the word seemed to say, things could go back to the way they were.A year after his election, Mr Hollande finds himself cast as a normal president for what is turning out to be a most abnormal time.

The Economist

Mr. Murong writes: "Almost everyone in our generation has read 'Believe in the Future': When cobwebs clog my stove When its dying smoke sighs over poverty I will stubbornly dig out the disappointing ash And write on snowflakes: 'Believe in the Future.' This poem was written in 1968 during an abnormal time.

The New York Times

You can't hurry up and feel it now so that it doesn't show up later, and there is no normal or abnormal time for any reaction you might have.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"These are abnormal times".

The New York Times

But these are abnormal times.

The New York Times

"These are abnormal times because of the threat of terrorism against the city.

The New York Times

In abnormal times like these, however, providing frightened banks with the reserves they demand will fuel neither money nor credit growth — and is therefore not inflationary.

The New York Times

Beneath an azure sky, cricket, and Australian cricket in particular, returned to normality, or at least as close to normality as it will ever be in what have been abnormal times.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "abnormal time", ensure the context clearly defines what is considered normal or typical. This helps the reader understand the degree and nature of the deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "abnormal time" when a more neutral term like "unusual time" or "different time" would be more appropriate. The term "abnormal" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting something is wrong or undesirable, whereas the intention might simply be to indicate a deviation from routine.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abnormal time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "abnormal" modifies the noun "time". It is used to describe a specific period or instance that deviates from what is considered typical or standard. As Ludwig AI underlines, it is perfectly correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "abnormal time" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, denoting a period that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general informational sources. Its usage suggests a neutral communicative purpose aimed at indicating unusual timing, though awareness of potential negative connotations is advisable. Alternatives such as "unusual time" or "irregular time" may sometimes offer a more appropriate tone. When employing "abnormal time", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the expected norm to facilitate comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual time

This alternative replaces "abnormal" with "unusual", a direct synonym, maintaining a very high degree of semantic similarity.

irregular time

This alternative uses "irregular" instead of "abnormal", indicating a deviation from a regular or standard pattern of time.

atypical time

This phrase employs "atypical" to convey the sense of something not conforming to the usual type, maintaining a high degree of similarity.

uncommon time

This alternative replaces "abnormal" with "uncommon", suggesting a less frequent occurrence.

anomalous time

This replaces "abnormal" with "anomalous", indicating a deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.

deviant time

This alternative uses "deviant" which signifies straying from the norm. This might be slightly more negative in connotation.

extraordinary time

This alternative uses "extraordinary" indicating something beyond what is ordinary or usual; however, in this specific context could be misleading.

exceptional time

This alternative suggests a time that is an exception to the rule, standing out from the ordinary.

out-of-the-ordinary time

This phrase provides a more descriptive alternative, highlighting the deviation from regular circumstances.

peculiar time

This alternative uses "peculiar" which conveys a sense of oddness or strangeness associated with the time.

FAQs

How can I use "abnormal time" in a sentence?

You can use "abnormal time" to describe something happening outside of the usual schedule. For example, "The meeting was scheduled for an abnormal time due to the emergency situation".

What's a better alternative to "abnormal time"?

Depending on the context, alternatives like "unusual time", "irregular time", or "atypical time" may be more suitable.

Is "abnormal time" the same as "unusual time"?

While similar, "abnormal time" might imply a greater deviation from the norm than "unusual time". The choice depends on the specific context and the degree of deviation you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "abnormal time"?

Avoid using "abnormal time" when describing something that is merely different but not necessarily deviant from the norm. In such cases, "different time" or "uncommon time" might be more appropriate.