an odd response

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an odd response" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a reply or reaction that is unusual or unexpected in a given context. Example: "When I asked her about the project, she gave me an odd response that left me confused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Initially, this seemed an odd response.

The Economist

Joelle: This may sound like an odd response, but just how much I'm enjoying it.

The Guardian - Books

Howard made more of a spectacle off the court, mugging for the arena cameras during a "Kiss Cam" break in play, an odd response to being blown out on the road.

The New York Times

It was an odd response to a question that interviewers would ask anyone who was running for president but had a slim chance of actually taking the party's nomination.

TechCrunch

To do so, she insisted "would result in unacceptable impacts to readiness," an odd response given that the only "impact" would assumedly be the use of binoculars.

Huffington Post

To blame the specter of drug addiction for shortages of labor is an odd response when persistent unemployment helped create this problem in the first place.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Costas only said that it was a "somewhat odd" response to a simple question.

Huffington Post

This odd bit of banter evokes an equally odd response: "He closed his eyes, allowed himself to swell with the thought of her.

The New York Times - Books

But instead of declaring victory, Senate Republicans now claim to be outraged that Sanders withdrew his proposal -- an especially odd response considering the Republican demonization of government-run health care.

Huffington Post

He told Rachel about this later in the morning, the boy's unsettling calm, his odd response.

The New Yorker

An odd involuntary response, but there you have it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms for "odd" to provide more nuanced descriptions. Words like "peculiar", "strange", or "unusual" can offer different shades of meaning, depending on the specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "an odd response" when a more direct description of the response is possible. Instead of saying something is "odd", specify exactly what made it confusing, inappropriate, or unexpected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an odd response" functions as a noun phrase, where "odd" is an adjective modifying the noun "response". It describes the quality or nature of a response, indicating that it is unusual or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an odd response" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a reaction or answer that is unusual or unexpected. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources reveals that this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context makes clear why the response is considered odd. Alternatives such as "a strange answer" or "an unusual reply" can provide more nuanced descriptions. While generally neutral in register, specifying the reason for the 'oddness' enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strange answer

Replaces "odd" with "strange", focusing on the unusual nature of the answer.

an unusual reply

Substitutes "odd" with "unusual" and "response" with "reply", highlighting the uncommon aspect of the reaction.

a peculiar reaction

Uses "peculiar" instead of "odd" and "reaction" instead of "response", emphasizing the strange or eccentric quality.

a curious answer

Employs "curious" in place of "odd", suggesting the answer is interesting because of its strangeness.

an unexpected reaction

Replaces "odd" with "unexpected", focusing on the surprise element of the response.

a weird reply

Substitutes "odd" with "weird", indicating a bizarre or unsettling response.

an atypical response

Uses "atypical" instead of "odd", highlighting the non-standard nature of the reaction.

an unconventional answer

Replaces "odd" with "unconventional", emphasizing the departure from established norms.

a singular reaction

Substitutes "odd" with "singular", focusing on the uniqueness of the response.

a remarkable reply

Uses "remarkable" instead of "odd", suggesting the reply is noteworthy due to its unusualness.

FAQs

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

You can use "an odd response" to describe a reaction or answer that is unexpected or unusual in a given situation. For example: "When asked about her career plans, she gave "an odd response" that left everyone puzzled."

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a strange answer", "an unusual reply", or "a peculiar reaction".

Is it better to say "an odd response" or "a strange response"?

Both "an odd response" and "a strange response" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Strange" might imply something more unsettling or unfamiliar than "odd".

What makes a response "odd"?

A response is considered "odd" when it deviates from what is typically expected or considered normal in a particular context. This could be due to the content of the response, the way it is delivered, or its timing.