but oddly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but oddly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a surprising or unexpected element in a statement or narrative. Example: "The weather was warm for October, but oddly, it started to snow later that evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But oddly moving.

The New York Times - Arts

But, oddly, it hasn't.

The New York Times - Arts

Interesting, but oddly flat.

The Guardian - Arts

"But, oddly, one didn't".

The Guardian - Books

Wheeldon's steps are fluent but oddly inexpressive.

Independent

But oddly you get used to it.

The Guardian

"But (oddly enough) they were wrong".

The New York Times - Books

But, oddly, it's not a bad addition.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But, oddly, he found himself lingering.

The New Yorker

But oddly enough, birds deal with them as well.

The New York Times - Science

She returned to her cell shaken but oddly relieved.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but oddly" to introduce an element of surprise or contradiction in a statement, adding nuance and depth to your writing. It works best when the unexpected element is genuinely surprising or counterintuitive.

Common error

Avoid using "but oddly" multiple times in a single paragraph, as it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "yet strangely" or "however surprisingly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but oddly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two clauses, introducing a contrast or unexpected element to the preceding statement. It adds a layer of surprise or peculiarity, modifying the overall meaning of the sentence. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and valid expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but oddly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, introducing an element of surprise or unexpected contrast. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and high frequency, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, consider substituting with alternatives like "yet strangely" or "however surprisingly" to avoid repetition. Remember to employ it judiciously, as overuse can diminish its impact. This phrase adds nuance to your writing, highlighting deviations from the expected. Its widespread presence in reputable sources underscores its reliability and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but strangely enough

Similar to “but oddly enough” yet slightly more emphatic.

yet strangely

Emphasizes the unusual or peculiar nature of the contrast.

however strangely

Similar to "but oddly" yet places emphasis on the strange nature of the statement.

though strangely

Introduces a contrast, highlighting the oddness of the situation.

yet curiously

Highlights the intriguing or inquisitive aspect of the unexpected element.

but curiously enough

Adds a touch of intrigue and surprise to the statement.

however surprisingly

Emphasizes the element of surprise in the contrast.

though unexpectedly

Focuses on the unforeseen nature of the contrasting element.

however unusually

Highlights the atypical nature of the contrast.

yet remarkably

Emphasizes the noteworthy or striking nature of the unexpected element.

FAQs

How can I use "but oddly" in a sentence?

Use "but oddly" to introduce something unexpected or contradictory to what was previously stated. For example, "The sun was shining, but oddly, I felt cold."

What are some alternatives to "but oddly"?

Some alternatives include "yet strangely", "however surprisingly", or "though unexpectedly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "but oddly"?

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "but oddly" can sometimes sound informal. Consider rephrasing the sentence to incorporate the phrase within the clause for a more formal tone. For example, instead of "But oddly, she didn't seem surprised", try "She didn't seem surprised, but oddly so."

What's the difference between "but oddly" and "but strangely"?

"But oddly" and "but strangely" are quite similar. "Oddly" implies something is peculiar or unconventional, while "strangely" suggests something is unusual or mysterious. They are often interchangeable, but the specific context might favor one over the other depending on the nuance you wish to convey.