freak of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "freak of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in expressions like "freak of nature" to describe something or someone that is unusual or extraordinary in a specific way. Example: "The circus featured a freak of nature, a person with extraordinary abilities that amazed the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Freak of nature".

The New Yorker

"I'm a freak of neat.

The New York Times

"He's a freak of nature".

The New York Times - Sports

Am I an anxious freak of nature?

The New York Times

"I'm not a freak of nature.

The New York Times - Sports

Michael was a freak of nature".

The New York Times - Sports

"It felt like a freak of nature.

Independent

A freak of provincial style?

The New York Times - Arts

"Plaxico's a freak of nature," he said.

The New York Times

He was called a freak of nature.

The New York Times

Physically, Rashod is a freak of nature.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "freak of" to describe a person, be mindful of the context and potential for negative connotations. Opt for alternatives like "anomaly of" or "rarity of" to maintain neutrality and objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "freak of" in formal or academic writing. Instead, consider alternatives such as "aberration", "anomaly", or "unusual occurrence" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "freak of" functions primarily as a modifier within a larger noun phrase, often to describe something that is unusual, extraordinary, or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "freak of" is a common and versatile expression used to describe something exceptional or unusual. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is grammatically sound and predominantly appears in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, it's important to be mindful of potential negative connotations and to choose more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings. Consider alternative phrases like "anomaly of" or "rarity of" to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anomaly of

Highlights the irregularity or unusual nature of something.

aberration of

Emphasizes a deviation from the norm or expected.

oddity of

Stresses the strangeness or peculiarity of something.

rarity of

Focuses on how uncommon or infrequent something is.

curiosity of

Suggests something interesting and unusual.

exception to

Indicates a departure from a general rule or pattern.

prodigy of

Implies exceptional talent or skill at a young age.

wonder of

Highlights the astonishing nature of something.

marvel of

Emphasizes the wonder and amazement associated with something.

monstrosity of

Focuses on the frighteningly large or ugly nature of something (negative connotation).

FAQs

How is "freak of nature" typically used?

The expression "freak of nature" is often used to describe someone or something with extraordinary or unusual qualities. It can describe exceptional physical abilities or unique natural phenomena.

What are some alternatives to saying "freak of nature"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "anomaly of", "rarity of", or "oddity of". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "freak of nature"?

While it's often used to express admiration for someone's unique abilities, calling someone a "freak of nature" can be considered insensitive. Choose your words carefully to avoid causing offense. Consider using positive alternatives.

What's the difference between "freak of nature" and "prodigy of"?

"Freak of nature" typically refers to something that defies natural expectations, while "prodigy of" specifically describes someone with exceptional talent or skill at a young age. A prodigy is often seen as a positive term, while "freak of nature" can be more ambiguous.