an odd member

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an odd member" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is unusual or different from the rest of a group or category. Example: "In a team of highly skilled athletes, he was considered an odd member due to his unconventional training methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But it was always an odd member of the club.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With proper rewards, the subject may learn to distinguish any "odd" member of any set from those that are similar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The taxonomic history of Porteresia is analogous to that of Hydrochloa, in that it is a name given to a slightly odd member of a genus.

Rice

If you are one of those rare people who goes to classical music concerts, you may have noticed the odd member of the audience reading a little yellow book during the performance.

The Guardian

T.C.U. has a weak program and will give the league an odd 17-member alignment.

The New York Times - Sports

It is not alone in making this transformation.The reality TV show "Big Brother", which starred supposedly ordinary (but actually very odd) members of the public, spawned "Celebrity Big Brother", where the contestants were just as peculiar but better-known.

The Economist

Consequently, Freden's result [27] can be presented in the form of series with even (k = 2b) and odd members (k = 2b+1, where b ∈N).

Advances in Difference Equations

It is obvious that the two obtained series with odd members are equivalent to the following 1 π ∑ k = 0 ∞ Γ ( k + 1, - π r 2 ) - Γ ( k + 1 ) ( 1 + 2 k ) k !

Advances in Difference Equations

To call an individual a black sheep implies that they are an odd or disreputable member of a group.

Wikipedia

That's a mass media giant with 900-odd member radio stations and a pile of money in their endowment.

Huffington Post

And it would be an odd club whose members had never met one another.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an odd member", consider whether you want to convey a neutral sense of difference, a slightly negative implication of strangeness, or a positive sense of uniqueness. Choose synonyms accordingly.

Common error

Avoid using "odd" repeatedly to describe different members or aspects of a group. Vary your language with alternatives like "unusual", "peculiar", or "atypical" to maintain reader engagement and convey nuances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an odd member" functions as a noun phrase, where "odd" modifies the noun "member". According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an odd member" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote something or someone that stands out from a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its application spans diverse fields, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While "odd" can carry slight negative implications, context dictates the overall tone, with available alternatives like "an unusual member" or "an atypical member" offering subtle variations in meaning. To ensure effective communication, it is best to consider whether you intend to convey difference, eccentricity, or uniqueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unusual member

Replaces "odd" with a more neutral synonym, maintaining the sense of difference without necessarily implying negativity.

an atypical member

Substitutes "odd" with a formal term, emphasizing the non-standard nature of the member.

a peculiar member

Replaces "odd" with a term that suggests something slightly strange or eccentric.

an unconventional member

Emphasizes the member's divergence from established norms and traditions.

a singular member

Highlights the member's uniqueness and distinctiveness.

an exceptional member

Shifts the focus to the member's outstanding or remarkable qualities, while still acknowledging their difference.

a nonconformist member

Specifically identifies the member as someone who actively rejects prevailing standards.

an outlier

Uses a statistical term to describe a member that falls far outside the typical range.

a maverick

Implies the member is independent-minded and willing to defy convention.

a black sheep

Uses an idiomatic expression to describe a member who is considered disreputable or disgraced.

FAQs

What does "an odd member" mean?

The phrase "an odd member" describes someone or something that is different, unusual, or doesn't quite fit in with the rest of a group. It can imply a slight deviation from the norm, without necessarily being negative.

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

You can use "an odd member" to describe a person, object, or concept that stands out from its group: "He was "an unusual member" of the team, always questioning the coach's strategies."

What are some synonyms for "an odd member"?

Alternatives to "an odd member" include "an unusual member", "a peculiar member", or "an atypical member". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "an odd member" a negative term?

Not necessarily. While "odd" can sometimes have negative connotations, in the context of "an odd member" it often simply means different or unique. The surrounding context usually determines whether it's perceived positively or negatively.