an atypical example

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an atypical example" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instance that deviates from the norm or standard in a particular context. Example: "While most of the results were consistent, this case presented an atypical example that required further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Stags' Leap Winery Napa Valley 2001 $27 ** [Rating: Two Stars] Intriguing mineral, herbal and fruit flavors; an atypical example.

The New York Times - Food

Although Collins has chosen an atypical example I believe that the questions he raises about calibration in general and about this particular episode of gravity wave experiments should be answered.

SEP

It is an atypical example of the Perpendicular form of Gothic architecture, with low aisles and nave arcades and a tall clerestory.

Wikipedia

However, clustering with Cluster 2 is also poor, suggesting this enzyme may have to be considered an atypical example of an HMF oxidoreductase.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

An atypical example readily available for the opposition to hold up for voters as a typical prototype.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The big no-show is of course Henry Kissinger, about whom there appears never to have been any question of involvement, a remarkably atypical example of Kissinger avoiding the inside track.

The Guardian - Film

However, if placed within the wider superordinate category of animal, it is likely to be considered a far more atypical example, as illustrated by the fact that only 3 out of 442 respondents generated this exemplar in Battig and Montague's category norms for four-footed animal.

Aphasiology

Atypical example for deformation fields distribution in one of the bridge crossing sections under traffic load is provided.

Procedia Engineering

In a not-so-atypical example of intra-continental insult, she asserted that fully 25percentt of British men were gay, and she did not mean happy.

The New York Times

The first two authors trained two coders with extensive experience coding this data set to follow the inclusion and exclusion criteria and to identify exemplary and atypical examples of each theme.

AIDS and Behavior

Specialised wards for an atypical aetiology, for example, lifespan psychiatric illness or mental disability.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an atypical example" when you want to emphasize that something deviates from the norm and warrants closer inspection or explanation.

Common error

Avoid using "an atypical example" when a standard or common instance would better illustrate your point. Using an atypical case when a typical one is needed can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an atypical example" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'atypical' modifies the noun 'example'. It serves to specify a particular instance that deviates from the expected or common pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an atypical example" is grammatically sound and serves to highlight instances that deviate from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms that it's used across various domains including science, news, and formal writing. While not exceedingly common, with only 10 exact examples, its use is appropriate when emphasizing a non-standard or unusual case. Related phrases like "an unusual case" or "an exceptional instance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the atypical example effectively supports your overall point. Overusing atypical examples can confuse the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual case

Focuses on the rareness or infrequency of the instance.

an exceptional instance

Highlights the distinctiveness and potential superiority of the case.

a non-standard illustration

Emphasizes the deviation from established standards or norms.

a peculiar situation

Suggests the instance is odd, strange, or out of the ordinary.

an anomalous occurrence

Highlights that the instance deviates from a general rule or method.

a deviant example

Emphasizes the divergence from an accepted standard or norm.

an irregular instance

Highlights the lack of uniformity or consistency.

an odd example

Stresses the bizarreness or strangeness of the example.

a rare specimen

Focuses on the infrequency and potential value of the instance.

an uncharacteristic case

Implies the instance is not representative of typical behavior or attributes.

FAQs

How can I properly use "an atypical example" in a sentence?

Use "an atypical example" when you want to highlight a case that is not representative of the usual pattern or norm. For instance, "This study presents "an atypical example" of consumer behavior during a recession".

What are some alternatives to using "an atypical example"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an unusual case", "an exceptional instance", or "a non-standard illustration".

Is there a subtle difference between "an atypical example" and "a typical example"?

Yes, while "an atypical example" refers to something that deviates from the norm, "a typical example" represents something that is characteristic and representative of a group or category.

When is it appropriate to use "an atypical example" instead of "a rare example"?

"An atypical example" suggests a deviation from the norm, whereas "a rare example" simply implies infrequency. Use "an atypical example" when the deviation itself is noteworthy, not just its scarcity.