an unusual time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unusual time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a time that is atypical or unexpected, often in relation to events or situations. Example: "We decided to meet at an unusual time, as most people would prefer to gather in the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The 1980s were an unusual time for the drinks industry.

Independent

"This is an unusual time," Ms. Kellermann said.

The New York Times

The change at left guard comes at an unusual time.

The New York Times - Sports

It was an unusual time for Garciaparra to ask for a day off.

The New York Times - Sports

"It is an unusual time," Mr. Gore told CNN. "You prepare yourself to win," he said.

The New York Times

It is of course an unusual time for managers in the English league generally.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

These alert the authorities if a crowd forms at an unusual time--which could be sign of unsanctioned protest.

Huffington Post

We are standing on a sliver of a moment in a most unusual time.

The New York Times

"That morning before leaving he was in the office really early being briefed on both Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, so this has been a particularly unusual time with a lot of demands on his time," Yoest said.

Huffington Post

But that was a highly unusual time.

The Economist

Her daughter's piece, she says: captures wonderfully a most unusual time in the life of our family — the good, the bad and the ugly.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an unusual time", ensure the context clearly indicates why the time is considered unusual. Providing specific details helps the reader understand the deviation from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "an unusual time" without explaining the specific reasons for its unusual nature. Vague descriptions can leave the reader confused about the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unusual time" functions as a noun phrase, where "unusual" is an adjective modifying the noun "time". Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unusual time" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe moments that deviate from the norm. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase's adaptability allows it to fit into various contexts. To enhance clarity, it's essential to specify why a time is unusual. Alternatives like "a peculiar moment" or "an atypical hour" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a peculiar moment

Replaces "unusual" with "peculiar", emphasizing the odd or strange nature of the time.

an atypical hour

Substitutes "unusual" with "atypical", highlighting the non-standard nature of the time.

an odd period

Uses "odd" instead of "unusual", suggesting something strange or unconventional about the timeframe.

a strange moment

Emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of the time.

an uncommon juncture

Replaces "unusual" with "uncommon" and "time" with "juncture", creating a more formal tone.

a rare instance

Highlights the infrequency or scarcity of the specific time or occasion.

a singular occasion

Focuses on the uniqueness and distinctiveness of the particular time.

an exceptional phase

Indicates that the time is remarkable or outstanding in some way.

an extraordinary juncture

Emphasizes the exceptional and noteworthy character of the period.

a remarkable timing

Focuses specifically on the timing of events as being noteworthy.

FAQs

How can I use "an unusual time" in a sentence?

You can use "an unusual time" to describe moments that deviate from the normal routine or expected schedule. For example, "The meeting was scheduled for "an unusual time", 6 AM, to accommodate international attendees".

What are some alternatives to "an unusual time"?

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

Is it better to say "an unusual time" or "a strange time"?

Both "an unusual time" and "a strange time" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Unusual" suggests something uncommon or out of the ordinary, while "strange" implies something odd or peculiar. Choose the word that best fits the specific situation.

What makes a time "unusual"?

A time can be considered "unusual" if it deviates from established norms, routines, or expectations. This could be due to scheduling conflicts, special events, or unique circumstances that necessitate a different timing.