distinctly unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinctly unusual" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the phrase when describing something that stands out in an unexpected way. For example, you could say, "The architecture of the building was distinctly unusual, with its curved lines and bright yellow paint."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

There was a distinctly unusual cast to the evening.

The New York Times

Yousef has led a life distinctly unusual for the son of a Hamas official.

The Guardian

The Challenge Cup final was contested by two distinctly unusual suspects.

The New York Times - Sports

It is his standard response to such speculation, but the result that preceded it was distinctly unusual.

The Guardian - Sport

Its foremost spokesman was Russian painter and ideologue Aleksandr Rodchenko, who employed distinctly unusual vantage points in order to give the mundane world a new appearance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One aspect of Knausgaard's writing that is distinctly unusual for a modern writer in western Europe is its constant grappling with the question of shame.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Mr. Troy's closing argument was another unusual turn in a distinctly strange trial that started on June 17 before Judge Daniel J. Cotter.

The New York Times

British cities are in crisis, but it is of an unusual and distinctly 21st-century form.

The Guardian

What I had heard struck me as so beautiful and unusual, so distinctly of its time but in such radical opposition to most "new music" of the seventies, that I wrote through the night, attempting to summarize my impressions.

The New Yorker

His teaching style was inventive and dynamic, often requiring his students to improvise and move in unusual, exaggerated, and distinctly unballetic ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I remember distinctly thinking that it was unusual," Steve, now 56, tells me.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "distinctly unusual" to highlight something that deviates noticeably from the norm. It's more emphatic than simply saying "unusual".

Common error

While "distinctly unusual" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language that specifies the nature of the unusual aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinctly unusual" functions as an intensifying modifier of the adjective "unusual". It amplifies the degree to which something deviates from the norm, highlighting its atypical nature. Ludwig AI shows this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "distinctly unusual" is a phrase used to emphasize the atypical nature of something, functioning as an intensifying modifier. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and utility in highlighting deviations from the norm. While suitable for a range of contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media, science, and encyclopedia sources. For alternatives, consider "markedly atypical" or "noticeably uncommon". When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the desired tone, avoiding overuse in highly formal contexts to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

markedly atypical

Replaces "distinctly" with "markedly" emphasizing the noteworthiness of the atypical nature.

noticeably uncommon

Replaces "distinctly unusual" with "noticeably uncommon", focusing on the observation of its infrequency.

patently strange

Replaces "unusual" with "strange" and "distinctly" with "patently", indicating an obvious strangeness.

strikingly peculiar

Emphasizes the unexpected quality by using "strikingly" and "peculiar".

uniquely anomalous

Highlights that something is uniquely deviating from the norm.

decidedly out of the ordinary

Replaces "distinctly unusual" with a longer phrase that conveys a clear departure from what is typical.

plainly exceptional

Emphasizes the obvious nature of something being an exception.

conspicuously different

Highlights that the difference is easily visible or noticeable.

singularly remarkable

Uses "singularly" and "remarkable" to emphasize the exceptional nature.

uncommonly curious

Combines "uncommonly" with "curious" to suggest a rare and intriguing nature.

FAQs

How can I use "distinctly unusual" in a sentence?

You can use "distinctly unusual" to describe something that is noticeably different or atypical. For example, "The artwork featured a "distinctly unusual" combination of colors and textures".

What are some alternatives to "distinctly unusual"?

Alternatives include "markedly atypical", "noticeably uncommon", or "patently strange". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "distinctly unusual" formal or informal?

"Distinctly unusual" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, but may be replaced by more precise language in highly formal or academic settings.

What's the difference between "distinctly unusual" and "unusual"?

The word "distinctly" adds emphasis to the unusual nature of something. Saying something is "distinctly unusual" means it's not just unusual, but noticeably or markedly so.