an unconventional solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unconventional solution" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a solution that is not typical or standard, often implying creativity or originality. Example: "After much deliberation, we decided to implement an unconventional solution to the problem that had stumped us for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

That realization, in part, led Mayor Bill de Blasio to embrace an unconventional solution: Make Manhattan bigger.

The New York Times

Fury, however, has an unconventional solution up his sleeve if the third man in the ring should impede him.

Independent

Something does not add up and basically it is the fact United appear to favour fixing an unconventional situation with an unconventional solution.

The Guardian - Sport

The engineer, John W. Roberts, who works at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, Md., has has come up with an unconventional solution.

The New York Times - Tech

In the midst of a difficult real estate negotiation a few years ago, the Swatch-wearing Mr. Kushner playfully proposed an unconventional solution to a standoff: an arm-wrestling match.

The New York Times

But in this stretch of northern Kenya, destitute villagers have seized upon an unconventional solution that, if replicated elsewhere, could be the key to saving thousands of elephants across Africa, conservationists say.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

4. Winy Maas WINY MAAS, who worked for OMA for several years before founding MVRDV with Jacob van Rijs (another OMA graduate, as am I) and Nathalie de Vries, has generated an animated, unconventional solution similar to Mr. Koolhaas's.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a fairly unconventional solution and one that won't please a number of cooks but if you're willing to give it a try, this is a great way to keep the moisture in because the cake cooks faster than it has time to dry out.

WikiHow

Therefore a rather unconventional solution has been selected.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The greater the number of ideas generated the higher the chance of producing a radical and unconventional solution.

Forbes

Could bringing back "earmarks" -- derided as pork barrel, insider spending just a few years ago -- be the unconventional solution for re-booting Congress?

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unconventional solution", ensure the context clearly establishes the problem's complexity or the limitations of conventional methods. This highlights the necessity and ingenuity of the chosen approach.

Common error

Avoid using "an unconventional solution" when a simpler, more traditional approach would suffice. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing seem unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unconventional solution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or complement in a sentence. It describes a method or approach to resolving a problem that is not standard or typical, as supported by the examples analyzed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

22%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Academia

11%

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an unconventional solution" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a non-standard approach to solving a problem. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability across diverse contexts, including news, science, academia, and business. While it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring the context warrants its use, the phrase effectively conveys innovation and originality. Alternatives include phrases like "a novel approach" or "an innovative resolution". With a source quality score of 81 and an expert rating of 4.5, this phrase holds a solid position in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a novel approach

Emphasizes the newness and originality of the method.

an innovative resolution

Highlights the creativity and forward-thinking aspect of the solution.

an unorthodox method

Focuses on the non-traditional nature of the approach.

a creative workaround

Suggests a solution that bypasses traditional methods.

an out-of-the-box fix

Implies a solution that is not immediately obvious or typical.

a non-standard remedy

Highlights the departure from accepted or typical remedies.

a unique answer

Emphasizes the singularity and distinctiveness of the solution.

a different tactic

Focuses on a change in strategy to achieve a resolution.

a peculiar approach

Suggests the method is unusual or strange, but effective.

an inventive resolution

Emphasizes the skill and imagination used to devise the solution.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "an unconventional solution" in a sentence?

Use "an unconventional solution" when you want to emphasize that a problem was solved in a novel or unexpected way. For example, "Faced with budget constraints, the team devised "a novel approach" to marketing."

What are some alternatives to saying "an unconventional solution"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a novel approach", "an innovative resolution", or "an unorthodox method" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always better to find "an unconventional solution" to a problem?

Not necessarily. While "an unconventional solution" can be effective, it's essential to consider whether simpler, more established methods might be more efficient or appropriate. The best approach depends on the specific problem and constraints.

What makes "an unconventional solution" different from a standard solution?

"An unconventional solution" deviates from typical or expected methods. It often involves creative thinking, novel techniques, or a willingness to challenge established norms, whereas a standard solution relies on tried-and-true approaches.