an odd notion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an odd notion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unusual or strange idea or belief. Example: "She had an odd notion that the world was flat, despite all the evidence to the contrary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Tech entrepreneurship in North Korea might seem an odd notion.

The Guardian

It was always an odd notion, when you think about it.

The Economist

"It's such an odd notion for a New Yorker, but down here people are always carting houses around," she says.

The New York Times

It's an odd notion, because we think of our essential self as being distinct from such corporeal details.

The New Yorker

That might seem like an odd notion in a place wrestling with an estimated $18 billion debt.

The New York Times

Weak positional class Nowitzki's exclusion from the All-Star game is an odd notion, especially given his typically stellar and consistent production.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Now I realize that democratic governance might seem a rather odd notion to an Administration that assumed office under a dark cloud of suspicion and in any case did not secure the majority of votes from the populace, but that does not excuse ignorance of it.

Huffington Post

"That would be a very odd notion of democracy".

The New York Times

Republicans seem to have settled on the attack there as the greatest national security failure of our time (a rather odd notion in the post-9/11 world), perhaps because they think it distracts voters from the fact that, as the vice president likes to say, General Motors is alive and Osama bin Laden is dead.

The New York Times

'Property' evokes the classic notion of 'bundle of rights'; the editors also insist that property relations are social relations, though they sometimes shorten this to just property, remarking that it is 'generally accepted in the social sciences that property is a relationship between people about denying or allowing each other the use of things' (p. 13): a rather odd notion of property, surely.

Pastoralism

At first glance, it seems like a rather odd notion.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an odd notion" when you want to subtly express that something is strange or unusual without being overly critical. It's more nuanced than simply calling something "wrong" or "incorrect".

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "an odd notion" can make your writing sound less direct. In formal or academic writing, consider stronger, more precise language to convey your meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an odd notion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, with "odd" acting as an adjective modifying the noun "notion". Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its correctness in standard usage. The phrase describes something considered strange, peculiar, or unconventional.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an odd notion" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for describing something strange or unusual. Ludwig AI validates this, indicating its appropriateness in written English. While "an odd notion" is not overly formal, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register. Consider alternatives like "a strange idea" or "a peculiar concept" for variety. When using "an odd notion", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing; although acceptable, it can be too informal for certain contexts. Remember, the phrase is designed to express a mild surprise or gentle skepticism without being overly critical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strange idea

Replaces "odd notion" with a more common synonym; focuses on the unusual nature of the idea.

a strange belief

Focuses on the unusual or unconventional nature of the belief.

a peculiar concept

Substitutes "notion" with "concept" and "odd" with "peculiar", highlighting the unusual or eccentric nature.

an unusual thought

Emphasizes the unexpected or uncommon nature of the thought.

a bizarre idea

Uses "bizarre" to intensify the strangeness of the idea.

an unconventional idea

Highlights the departure from established norms or traditions.

a curious concept

Highlights the intriguing or questionable nature of the concept.

a weird thought

Employs "weird" for a more informal and colloquial expression of strangeness.

a singular idea

Emphasizes the unique or one-of-a-kind nature of the idea.

an outlandish concept

Indicates that the concept is strikingly unconventional or bizarre.

FAQs

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

You can use "an odd notion" to describe a concept or idea that seems strange, peculiar, or unconventional. For example: "The idea that cats and dogs could be friends was "an odd notion" at first, but they quickly became inseparable".

What phrases are similar to "an odd notion"?

Similar phrases include "a strange idea", "a peculiar concept", or "an unusual thought". These alternatives all convey a sense of something being unconventional or out of the ordinary.

Is it always appropriate to use "an odd notion" in writing?

While generally acceptable, "an odd notion" might be too informal for very formal or academic writing. Choose a more precise term if possible.

What's the difference between "an odd notion" and "a strange idea"?

The phrases are very similar; however, ""an odd notion"" can sometimes imply a slightly more whimsical or curious sense of strangeness, while ""a strange idea"" might suggest something is simply unusual or unfamiliar.