anything but typical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "anything but typical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unusual or extraordinary, contrasting with what is considered normal or standard. Example: "Her performance was anything but typical; she brought a unique flair that captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

But his story is anything but typical.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, it is anything but typical.

The New Yorker

But their road to No. 1 was anything but typical.

The New York Times - Sports

You also say that this recession is anything but typical.

The New Yorker

Becker's path to the N.C.A.A. tournament has been anything but typical.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a familiar stereo soundtrack for a sister story that has been anything but typical.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But then, Bachelet is anything but a typical politician.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is, however, anything but a typical accountant.

The New York Times

The Times article convinced me that Arno was anything but a typical cartoonist.

The New Yorker

In fact, she was anything but a typical Mirror reader because Susanna was the 21-year-old daughter of Sir Christopher Chancellor, general manager of the Reuters news agency.

The Guardian

The clips are mostly between 10 and 20 seconds long, with a few running over a minute, and such a structure means this is anything but a typical performance.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "anything but typical" to add emphasis when describing something that deviates significantly from the norm. It's stronger than simply saying something is "unusual".

Common error

Avoid using "anything but typical" for minor deviations. Save it for situations where the subject truly stands out or defies expectations; otherwise, it can sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "anything but typical" functions as a qualifier, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the subject in question is far from ordinary. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "anything but typical" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is far from ordinary. Ludwig examples show it's frequently used in news, science and business contexts to emphasize uniqueness or exceptionality. While versatile, it's most impactful when describing significant deviations from the norm. Related phrases include "far from ordinary" and "exceptional", which can be used as effective alternatives. Remember to reserve its use for truly remarkable situations to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

far from ordinary

Emphasizes the departure from the usual or commonplace.

atypical

Directly indicates a deviation from the norm.

uncommon

Highlights the rarity or infrequency of something.

out of the ordinary

Suggests something beyond the usual range of experiences.

exceptional

Stresses the outstanding or superior quality.

extraordinary

Implies a remarkable or noteworthy quality.

remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthy or impressive nature.

unique

Highlights the distinctiveness or singularity.

not your average

Informal way of saying something is different or special.

unconventional

Implies a departure from accepted norms or standards.

FAQs

How can I use "anything but typical" in a sentence?

Use "anything but typical" to describe something that is not ordinary or standard. For example, "Her path to success was "anything but typical", filled with unexpected challenges and triumphs."

What are some alternatives to "anything but typical"?

You can use phrases like "far from ordinary", "uncommon", or "exceptional" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "everything but typical"?

While grammatically understandable, "everything but typical" isn't a common or idiomatic expression. "Anything but typical" is the standard and preferred phrasing.

What's the difference between "anything but typical" and "not typical"?

"Anything but typical" implies a stronger contrast with the norm than simply saying "not typical". It suggests a more significant deviation or exception.