got strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "got strange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or circumstance that has become unusual or unexpected. Example: "Things really got strange after the power outage, with everyone acting differently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Then things got strange.

The New York Times - Sports

Clint Dempsey scored the only goal, pouncing on a deflection in the goalmouth in the 16th minute, and then things got strange.

The New York Times

Sure, I got strange looks from team media representatives when I ignored their star players and asked to see their laundry.

The New York Times

When I used to talk with Tiger, he kind of made it seem like he always got strange pairings like this at Augusta.

The New York Times

We were kissing.' I said, 'I bet.' She said, 'We were kissing and then he got strange and — well, you know, I couldn't go any further.' I tried to explain the philosophy of kissing, what it led to.

The New York Times

When Jeb Bush – brother of one warmongering president, son of another, and a governor who sanctioned 21 executions during his tenure in Florida – embodies the centre ground, you know things have got strange.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Then things get strange.

The New York Times

People get strange obsessions.

The New York Times

And then it gets strange.

The New Yorker

Beyond that, things get strange.

The New York Times - Arts

This was getting strange.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got strange" to indicate a noticeable shift in circumstances or behavior that deviates from the expected or normal, often implying surprise or mild bewilderment.

Common error

While "got strange" is acceptable in many situations, it might be too informal for academic or highly professional writing. Consider using more precise or sophisticated language to convey the nuance of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got strange" functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a change in state or condition, specifically towards something unusual or unexpected. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "got strange" is a grammatically correct and usable expression indicating a shift toward something unusual or unexpected. While not overly formal, it is widely accepted in neutral contexts like news and media. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and while alternatives such as "became peculiar" or "turned bizarre" exist, "got strange" provides a concise way to express a sense of surprise or bewilderment. Its relatively uncommon usage suggests it adds a touch of informality to writing, making it suitable for contexts where a conversational tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became peculiar

Replaces "strange" with "peculiar", suggesting something slightly odd or eccentric happened.

turned bizarre

Uses "bizarre" to indicate a more extreme level of strangeness or absurdity.

became unusual

A more general term, indicating a deviation from the norm without necessarily implying negativity.

took an odd turn

Suggests a change in direction toward something strange or unexpected.

developed strangely

Focuses on the process of becoming strange, emphasizing the development of unusual qualities.

assumed a weird character

Highlights the transformation of something into a weird or peculiar state.

became uncanny

Implies a disturbing or unsettling strangeness.

took a surreal twist

Suggests a dreamlike or unreal quality to the strangeness.

descended into absurdity

Emphasizes the nonsensical or ridiculous nature of the situation.

morphed into oddity

Suggests a complete transformation into something notably odd.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "got strange"?

When something "got strange", it means that a situation or event took an unexpected or unusual turn, often implying a deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

How can I use "got strange" in a sentence?

You can use "got strange" to describe a shift in events. For example: "Things really "got strange" after the power outage."

What are some alternatives to saying things "got strange"?

Alternatives include phrases like "became peculiar", "turned bizarre", or "became unusual", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning.

Is "got strange" too informal for formal writing?

In some cases, yes. While grammatically correct, "got strange" leans toward the informal. Consider using more formal alternatives like "became unusual" or "took an odd turn" for professional contexts.