collection of oddballs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "collection of oddballs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a group of people who are considered unconventional or eccentric in some way. Example: "The art exhibit featured a collection of oddballs, each with their unique style and perspective on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Entertainment

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When the author goes off the beam we are left with a mere collection of oddballs, but when she is on we behold something quite rare -- dying as we hope it can be, a last embrace.

The New York Times - Books

Written by W. D. Richter, who went on to direct the cult item "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai: Across the 8th Dimension," "Slither" hinges on a big stash of cash, but the real payoff is the shaggy dog story and a collection of oddballs — played to perfection by the likes of Peter Boyle, Sally Kellerman and Louise Lasser — and Mr. Zieff's incomparable eye for offbeat details.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Expect a vibrant collection of oddball instruments (theremin, bouzouki, sousaphone) to join the band onstage.

The New York Times - Arts

Exhibited alongside these artists, however, is a collection of oddball modernism ranging from the esoteric to the rigorously experimental to the downright bad.

The New York Times

Instead, O'Brien planned to rely on man-on-the-street segments taped outside the building, a collection of oddball guests from around New York, and his estimable prowess -- second only, perhaps, to Letterman's -- as an ad-libber.

The Washington Post

Jack Kerouac put it succinctly: "the road is life --which coulife --whichhe haphazard colife --whichoddball phenomena that flanks our highways and byways.

Huffington Post

A few years later he went truly off-script with 2009's "Scream," recruiting the hip-hop producer Timbaland for a collection of oddball pop-soul songs that set his gritty vocals against perky, intricate digital grooves.

Los Angeles Times

This winter's biggest political story, in fact, may turn out not to be focused on the Conservatives, Labour or the Lib Dems, but an organisation that until recently was routinely condemned to the fringes, or smirked about as a collection of eccentrics and oddballs.

The Guardian

"Dick Zigun and his Coney Island Circus Sideshow had better hold onto their hats, because we're bringing the weirdest, most bizarre, outlandish and strangest collection of freaks and oddballs that the People's Playground has ever seen," said Mr. Strong, a newcomer to Brooklyn but a well-known figure on the carny circuit as the head of one of the largest carnival side shows in the country.

The New York Times

This is now the home of the National Archives (10), a frequently overlooked museum and art gallery with a fine collection of crafts, plus oddball paintings and interesting black-and-white photos (00 254 722 599 212).

Independent

Worked into their oddball collection of acid-fried electro-rock and dreamy rave, they've forged a peculiar new brand of electronic pomp.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a group of people who defy conventions or possess unique quirks, "collection of oddballs" adds a colorful and memorable touch to your writing. It's particularly effective in creative writing or informal contexts.

Common error

While "collection of oddballs" is descriptive, avoid using it excessively. Vary your language by using synonyms like "group of eccentrics" or "assortment of unusual characters" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collection of oddballs" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a group characterized by unconventional or eccentric individuals. This is evident in Ludwig examples, where the phrase modifies various nouns.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

25%

Entertainment

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collection of oddballs" is a valid and descriptive phrase used to characterize a group of eccentric or unconventional individuals. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively rare in occurrence, it appears primarily in news, arts, and entertainment contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to maintain a slightly informal tone, and remember to switch it up with alternatives such as "group of eccentrics" or "assortment of unusual characters" to prevent repetitiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

group of eccentrics

Emphasizes the unconventional nature of the individuals, similar to "oddballs".

assortment of unusual characters

Highlights the variety and peculiarity of the people involved.

gathering of quirky individuals

Focuses on the unique and somewhat eccentric qualities of the members.

ensemble of nonconformists

Stresses the rejection of societal norms within the group.

assemblage of singular personalities

Highlights the distinctiveness and individuality of each person.

band of peculiar folks

Uses more informal language to convey the group's oddness.

hodgepodge of strange people

Emphasizes the mismatched and unusual nature of the group.

menagerie of weirdos

Implies a collection of individuals with extreme eccentricities.

smattering of odd types

Suggests a smaller, less organized group of unusual people.

selection of unconventional souls

Highlights the unique and atypical nature of the individuals' spirits or characters.

FAQs

How can I use "collection of oddballs" in a sentence?

You can use "collection of oddballs" to describe a group of people who are considered eccentric or unconventional. For example, "The circus featured a "collection of oddballs", each with unique talents and quirks."

What are some alternatives to "collection of oddballs"?

Alternatives include "group of eccentrics", "assortment of unusual characters", or "gathering of quirky individuals", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "collection of oddballs" a formal or informal expression?

"Collection of oddballs" is generally considered an informal expression, best suited for creative writing, personal narratives, or casual conversations. More formal contexts may require more neutral or professional language.

What is the difference between "collection of oddballs" and "group of misfits"?

While both terms describe unconventional groups, ""collection of oddballs"" emphasizes eccentricity and unique quirks, whereas "group of misfits" implies a lack of belonging or social integration.