behaving abnormally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behaving abnormally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions or conduct that deviates from the norm or expected behavior. Example: "The dog has been behaving abnormally since the new neighbors moved in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Other people's reactions Be aware of anyone behaving abnormally around you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She had been behaving abnormally at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles, where she died on Feb. 11.

The New York Times

"We urge hunters to stay clear of Atlantic brants, especially those behaving abnormally," Robert C. Shinn Jr., the state's environmental commissioner, said in a statement.

The New York Times

"But one day we may be able to identify in each patient which area of the brain is behaving abnormally and then select a specific set of drugs targeted for that part of the brain".

The New York Times - Health

The use of gene microarrays, which measure the activity of lots of genes in a single piece of tissue, showed that genes known to regulate communication between nerve cells, and cell survival, were behaving abnormally.

The Economist

Dealing with people under emotional distress and behaving abnormally ruthless.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Such abnormal segments on a curve imply that there are some computers behaved abnormally during that time period.

Security Informatics

The brain of germ-free mice has altered chemistry and gene expression, and the animals behave abnormally 7. The hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis of germ-free animals is also abnormal, manifested as altered central nervous system (CNS) gene expression and abnormal responses to stress 8, 9.

Clinical and Experimental Immunology

The difference in air pressure made the rocket behave abnormally, and probably contributed to the crash.

The Economist

When liquidity dries up and fear takes over, prices start to behave abnormally and the funds' bets go haywire.

The New York Times

Both are often understood to be processes which involve someone who is previously "normal" being "brainwashed" by some outside influence that turns them into someone who behaves abnormally.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing behavior, use "behaving abnormally" to specifically highlight a deviation from typical conduct, especially when the context involves scientific or medical observations. For example, "The patient started behaving abnormally after the medication change."

Common error

Do not replace "behaving abnormally" with general terms like "acting weird" in formal writing. Instead, specify the unusual actions to provide a clearer picture of the behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behaving abnormally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates a deviation from expected or typical conduct, as supported by examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "behaving abnormally" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions deviating from the norm. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across varied contexts, especially in science, news, and wiki sources. While generally neutral to formal, it is essential to consider the context to maintain clarity and appropriateness in your writing. To avoid vagueness, always specify the unusual actions being described. Consider alternatives like ""acting strangely"" or "exhibiting aberrant conduct" based on the formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting strangely

This alternative focuses on the action and uses a more general term for strangeness.

acting out of character

This alternative suggests a deviation from the person's typical personality or behavior.

displaying unusual behavior

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the observable aspect of the behavior.

exhibiting aberrant conduct

This option is more formal and scientific, highlighting the deviance from a standard.

deviating from the norm

This alternative focuses on the departure from what is considered typical or standard.

acting erratically

This alternative emphasizes the unpredictable and unstable nature of the behavior.

performing oddly

This option uses a more informal word to describe the unusual nature of the actions.

functioning atypically

This alternative is suitable in contexts referring to a process or system not working as expected.

responding inappropriately

This option focuses on the lack of suitability or relevance in reactions.

conducting oneself improperly

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the violation of social norms or rules of conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "behaving abnormally" in a sentence?

You can use "behaving abnormally" to describe someone or something acting in a way that deviates from what is considered normal or expected. For example, "The dog has been "acting strangely" and behaving abnormally since the thunderstorm began".

What's a more formal way to say "behaving abnormally"?

A more formal alternative to "behaving abnormally" is "exhibiting aberrant conduct". This phrase is suitable for academic or scientific contexts.

What can I say instead of "behaving abnormally" in informal contexts?

In informal contexts, you can use phrases like "acting weirdly" or ""acting strangely"" instead of "behaving abnormally".

When is it appropriate to use "behaving abnormally" versus "acting out of character"?

"Behaving abnormally" is generally used when referring to a deviation from a general norm, while "acting out of character" specifically refers to a deviation from someone's usual personality or behavior.