an odd bunch

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an odd bunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people or things that are unusual or eccentric in some way. Example: "The committee was made up of an odd bunch, each with their own unique ideas and quirks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

THE Ood are an odd bunch.

The Economist

They are an odd bunch, the 277.

Independent

"God, they're an odd bunch, these Republicans".

The New Yorker

The staff were an odd bunch.

The Guardian

Research subjects are likely to be an odd bunch.

The New York Times

Al-Ghurabaa and the Saved Sect are an odd bunch.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

From the off, Massive Attack were an effortlessly odd bunch.

The Guardian - Music

Only four other economies in the world (a rather odd bunch of Tanzania, Bangladesh, Mozambique and Laos) can boast a steadier pace of expansion (as measured by the coefficient of variation) over the past ten years.That resilience is increasingly shared by the second-biggest country in the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines (population: 106m).

The Economist

Runners are a pretty odd bunch.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's a pretty odd bunch.

Vice

Certainly, the Cretans were grateful to Paddy and the odd bunch of English classicists and scholars – some of them posted to Crete on account of having studied ancient Greek at school – who were among his colleagues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an odd bunch", ensure the context provides some indication of what makes the group 'odd'. Specific examples or descriptions can enhance understanding and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "an odd bunch" as a generic descriptor. If the oddity isn't apparent or explained, the phrase loses its impact and can confuse the reader. Provide specifics to make the description meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an odd bunch" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or appositive. Ludwig AI's examples show it modifying nouns, indicating the group's unusual characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an odd bunch" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a group characterized by unusual or eccentric qualities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, primarily within news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by providing context that illustrates the group's unique attributes. While "an odd bunch" is widely accepted, consider alternatives like "a peculiar group" or "an unconventional gathering" for slightly different nuances or levels of formality. This analysis is based on a broad range of examples from reputable sources, ensuring comprehensive guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an eccentric group

Replaces 'odd' with 'eccentric', emphasizing the quirky and unconventional nature of the group.

a peculiar group

Replaces 'odd' with 'peculiar', suggesting a slightly more formal tone and emphasis on strangeness.

a strange collection

Substitutes 'odd' with 'strange' and 'bunch' with 'collection', highlighting the unusual nature of the group.

an unconventional gathering

Highlights the non-traditional nature of the group's meeting or composition.

a quirky assortment

Uses 'quirky' instead of 'odd' and 'assortment' instead of 'bunch', suggesting a charmingly unconventional mix.

an unusual assembly

Replaces 'odd' with 'unusual' and 'bunch' with 'assembly', conveying a sense of formality and deviation from the norm.

a curious mix

Replaces 'odd' with 'curious', suggesting that the group is interesting and perhaps slightly perplexing.

a singular set

Emphasizes the uniqueness of the group, highlighting its distinctiveness from others.

a motley crew

Offers a more vivid and informal alternative, implying a diverse and somewhat disorganized group.

a diverse collection

Focuses on the variety within the group, suggesting differences that might be considered unusual.

FAQs

What does "an odd bunch" mean?

The phrase "an odd bunch" describes a group of people or things that are strange, unusual, or eccentric in some way. It implies that the group deviates from what is considered normal or typical.

How can I use "an odd bunch" in a sentence?

You might say, "The committee was "made up of" "an odd bunch", each with their own unique ideas" or "The characters in the novel are "definitely an odd bunch"".

What are some alternatives to "an odd bunch"?

You can use alternatives like "a peculiar group", "a strange collection", or "an unusual assembly" depending on the context.

Is "an odd bunch" formal or informal?

"An odd bunch" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, you might choose a phrase like "an unconventional group" or "a distinctive set".