an atypical request

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an atypical request" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a request that is unusual or not typical in a given context. Example: "The manager received an atypical request from the client, asking for a complete redesign of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was an atypical request, but the soft-spoken oceanographer accepted.

Princeton University

That was an atypical request, Mr. Dotan said; most people prefer a private terrace or balcony.

The New York Times

"You eradicate in one place and you continue on, and when you go back they're growing it again," said Maj. Mario Ayala López, who insisted that his face not be shown in any photographs, an atypical request for a museum curator but a reality in present-day Mexico, where the drug violence knows no bounds.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Above all, Palermo Place strives to set itself apart with its concierge service, which helps with the usual needs — booking taxis and restaurant reservations; printing flight itineraries — and also more atypical requests, like finding baby sitters and personal trainers.

The New York Times - Travel

An atypical venue for an atypical pianist.

The New Yorker

Moreover, expert scientists may also request additional testing for a specific athlete to collect further indications of pathologies or to strengthen an atypical passport finding (ATPF).

British Journal of Sports Medicine

"But it is an atypical era".

The New York Times

Mr. Perez is also an atypical cabinet secretary.

The New York Times

This is an atypical sports movie.

The Guardian - Film

It was not an atypical morning.

The Guardian

It was an atypical phone call.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an atypical request" to subtly convey that a request deviates from the usual expectations without necessarily implying negativity. It's more neutral than saying "a strange request."

Common error

Avoid assuming that because a request is "atypical", it is inherently problematic or unreasonable. Consider the context and rationale behind the request before making a judgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an atypical request" functions as a noun phrase, where "atypical" modifies the noun "request". It identifies a specific instance of a request, characterizing it as deviating from the norm. As Ludwig AI clarifies, the phrase indicates that the request is unusual or not typical.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an atypical request" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing a request that is unusual or deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting that it can be used to describe requests that are not typical in a given context. While the phrase appears less frequently than others, it finds its place primarily in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using this phrase, remember to consider the neutrality of "atypical" and avoid automatically associating it with negative connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual request

Replaces "atypical" with "unusual", emphasizing the uncommon nature of the request.

an uncommon request

Substitutes "atypical" with "uncommon", highlighting the infrequency of such a request.

a non-standard request

Uses "non-standard" instead of "atypical", focusing on the deviation from the norm.

an exceptional request

Replaces "atypical" with "exceptional", suggesting the request is out of the ordinary in a positive way.

a peculiar request

Substitutes "atypical" with "peculiar", implying the request is strange or odd.

an unconventional request

Uses "unconventional" instead of "atypical", highlighting the lack of conformity to usual practices.

an extraordinary request

Replaces "atypical" with "extraordinary", emphasizing the remarkable nature of the request.

a singular request

Substitutes "atypical" with "singular", focusing on the uniqueness of the request.

a rare request

Uses "rare" instead of "atypical", highlighting the infrequency of the request.

an odd request

Replaces "atypical" with "odd", suggesting the request is strange or unusual.

FAQs

How can I use "an atypical request" in a sentence?

You can use "an atypical request" to describe a situation where someone is asking for something that is not commonly asked for or expected. For example: "The client made "an atypical request", wanting the project completed in half the usual time."

What are some alternatives to "an atypical request"?

Alternatives include "an unusual request", "an uncommon request", or "a non-standard request". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an atypical request" formal or informal?

"An atypical request" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The word "atypical" is not overly technical or casual, making it versatile.

What's the difference between "an atypical request" and "a strange request"?

"An atypical request" suggests something is not typical or common, while "a strange request" implies something is odd or peculiar. "Atypical" is generally more neutral than "strange".