behaving strangely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "behaving strangely" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is acting in an unusual or unexpected manner. Example: "After the incident, she started behaving strangely, which worried her friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Does he remember behaving strangely?

The Guardian - Music

And my, isn't the sheriff (William Fichtner) behaving strangely?

The New York Times

But on Christmas Day, Norman suddenly started behaving strangely.

The Guardian - Music

Police find them parked along a road and Andrew behaving strangely.

The New Yorker

MOST Britons have been behaving strangely in the past couple of weeks.

The Economist

But a test in 2005 was aborted after the fuel began behaving strangely.

The New York Times

Adan was also behaving strangely on the day of the attack.

The Washington Post

"She started behaving strangely again after that," the head nun said in the television interview.

The New York Times

She said the woman had passed out and the man was behaving strangely.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Jim Carrey will behave strangely, but those guys were strange.

The New Yorker

He begins to behave strangely.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and purpose of your writing. While "behaving strangely" is generally acceptable, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "exhibiting unusual behavior".

Common error

Avoid using "behaving strangely" as a standalone descriptor. Instead, provide specific details or observations that illustrate the unusual behavior, which enhances the reader's understanding and avoids vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "behaving strangely" primarily functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe the manner in which someone or something is acting. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "behaving strangely" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase used to describe unusual or unexpected behavior. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in wiki and science contexts. While the phrase is considered generally acceptable, providing specific examples of the unusual behavior enhances clarity and understanding. When aiming for formal language, consider swapping "behaving strangely" with alternatives such as "exhibiting unusual behavior".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acting weirdly

Focuses on the odd or unusual nature of the actions.

acting abnormally

Highlights the deviation from what is considered normal behavior.

acting oddly

A more general term for unusual behavior.

acting out of character

Emphasizes that the behavior is inconsistent with the person's typical actions.

acting suspiciously

Suggests the behavior raises concerns about potential wrongdoing.

acting strangely

Highlights the bizarreness of the conduct.

exhibiting unusual behavior

A more formal way of describing actions that are out of the ordinary.

displaying erratic behavior

Suggests the actions are unpredictable and inconsistent.

demonstrating peculiar behavior

Highlights the odd or uncommon nature of the actions.

acting in an unconventional manner

Emphasizes that the behavior does not adhere to typical social norms.

FAQs

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

You can use "behaving strangely" to describe someone's unusual actions. For instance, "After the accident, he started behaving strangely." This indicates a change in behavior that is perceived as odd or abnormal.

What are some alternatives to "behaving strangely"?

Alternatives include "acting weirdly", "acting abnormally", or "acting oddly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "behaving strange" instead of "behaving strangely"?

No, the correct phrasing is "behaving strangely". "Strangely" is an adverb modifying the verb "behaving", while "strange" is an adjective. Using "strange" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What does it mean when someone is described as "behaving strangely"?

When someone is described as "behaving strangely", it means their actions or mannerisms are perceived as unusual, odd, or out of character. It implies a deviation from their normal behavior, often raising questions or concerns.