an odd man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an odd man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is unusual or different in some way, often implying eccentricity or strangeness. Example: "He was known in the neighborhood as an odd man, often seen talking to himself while walking his dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Fowler was a bit of an odd man," said Clark.

The Guardian - Arts

Richard II was an odd man – more like a girl – so it seemed a valid experiment.

The Guardian

Whatever his ambitions, Capote was an odd man for a police-blotter job.

The New Yorker

A Gulf state that is an odd man out Don't count your dominoes Building up ReprintsIt is a gamble.

The Economist

He got used to being an odd man out at Oxford University, which he attended on a prestigious Rhodes Scholarship.

The Economist

Notably, the book adds to the growing body of evidence that Mr Obama is quite an odd man.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

An inaccurate pass could result in an odd-man rush.

WikiHow

"We happened to get an odd-man rush, and Gabby made a great play".

The New York Times - Sports

He scored on an odd-man rush with his linemates, Martin Rucinsky and Kovalev.

The New York Times - Sports

"We got an odd-man rush and I dropped it to Hansen Hansenen fed Holl in the slot," Warning said.

The New York Times

Islanders defenseman Jack Hillen blocked Ilya Kovalchuk's shot, leading to an odd-man rush with Blake Comeau.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "eccentric", "peculiar", or "unconventional" to precisely convey the intended nuance. Each word carries slightly different connotations, allowing for a more tailored description.

Common error

Avoid using "an odd man" when you simply mean 'unique' or 'interesting'. 'Odd' often carries a negative or strange connotation, so ensure it aligns with your intended meaning. Using phrases like "an unusual man" or "a unique individual" is a better choice if the intent is positive or neutral.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an odd man" functions as a noun phrase, where 'odd' acts as an adjective modifying the noun 'man'. It serves to describe a particular characteristic or quality of the man. Ludwig provides several examples showing how it is employed in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an odd man" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a man who is perceived as unusual or peculiar. Ludwig highlights its presence in various contexts, primarily within News & Media. While generally neutral, the term 'odd' can carry a slightly negative connotation, so it's important to use it carefully. Consider alternatives such as "an eccentric man" or "an unusual man" to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember, context is key when employing this descriptive phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an eccentric man

Replaces "odd" with a synonym suggesting unconventional behavior or habits.

a peculiar man

Substitutes "odd" with a term that indicates strangeness or unusualness.

a strange man

Uses a more direct synonym for "odd", emphasizing unfamiliarity.

an unconventional man

Highlights the man's deviation from accepted norms or standards.

an unusual man

Focuses on the rarity or infrequency of the man's characteristics.

a singular man

Suggests the man is unique and distinct from others.

a maverick

Implies independence and nonconformity, often associated with innovation.

a nonconformist

Directly states the man's refusal to adhere to societal expectations.

a rare bird

An idiomatic expression indicating someone unique and special.

a character

Describes someone with distinctive and noticeable traits, often in an amusing way.

FAQs

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

You can use "an odd man" to describe someone who is unusual or peculiar in their behavior or appearance. For example, "He was known as "an odd man" because he always wore mismatched socks."

What are some alternatives to saying "an odd man"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a strange man", "an unusual man", or "an eccentric man". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an odd man out"?

Yes, "an odd man out" is a common idiom that refers to someone who doesn't fit in or is different from the rest of a group or situation.

What's the difference between "an odd man" and "an unusual man"?

While similar, "an odd man" often implies a degree of strangeness or peculiarity, whereas "an unusual man" simply suggests that someone is not typical or common. "Odd" can sometimes carry a more negative connotation.