group of oddballs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "group of oddballs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a collection of people who are considered unconventional or eccentric in some way. Example: "The party was filled with a lively group of oddballs, each with their own unique quirks and stories to share."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The reader is introduced to a bizarre group of oddballs – some genuinely heroic, some venal, some quite boring – who become entangled in these schemes.

The Guardian - Books

"This is something that started in Chicago as a group of oddballs who wanted to do some pretty avant-garde things, but over the years, as it entered the commercial sphere, it has gotten more and more homogenous and started catering to a demographic mainstream".

The New York Times - Books

The area's punk, metal, and industrial music scenes were condensed into an overarching group of oddballs, who saw themselves and were seen in turn as clearly different from the rest of the conservative town.

Vice

"Go On," which stars Matthew Perry as a recently widowed sports-talk radio host, seems like the much riskier bet, but Perry ably carries the first episode; all that remains is to see how the show develops its premise, which (as many have others pointed out) resembles a low-rated ensemble cult-comedy about a group of oddballs.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Buy from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.ukIN THE decade-and-a-half between 1964 and 1980 a group of oddball academics from Britain and America did something quite remarkable.

The Economist

Schur is the auteur of the workplace comedy, having written some of the most memorable episodes of the American version of The Office and created Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, both about a group of oddball co-workers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rosemoor Animal Park Adventure, as Benjamin calls it, comes equipped with many creatures, some of them ill, and a group of oddball keepers — a kind of secondary zoo, albeit one garlanded with Scarlett Johansson.

The New Yorker

Comedy starring Kristen Wiig as the maid of honor in a group of oddball bridesmaids.

BBC

Non-sappy love stories about a group of oddball Manhattanites all living in one special building.

Vice

When Boston Globe TV critic Matthew Gilbert became a dog owner, he reluctantly joined the group of oddball dog owners who gather at Boston's Amory Park.

Los Angeles Times

The book, "Generation X," was followed by a film, "Slacker," directed by Richard Linklater, about a group of overeducated, underemployed oddballs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "group of oddballs", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the intended tone. It can be used humorously or to highlight the unique qualities of a collection of people.

Common error

While "group of oddballs" can be descriptive, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms or more specific descriptions to keep your writing engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "group of oddballs" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI shows its usage in describing ensembles with peculiar or eccentric characteristics. It serves to identify and categorize a collection of individuals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "group of oddballs" is a noun phrase used to describe a collection of people who are considered unconventional or eccentric. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, typically found in news and media contexts. While not particularly formal, it serves to characterize a set of individuals with a tone of humor or lightheartedness. Consider alternatives like "eccentric collective" or "misfit crew" for variety. Use the phrase judiciously to maintain its impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Unconventional bunch

Focuses on the non-traditional nature of the group.

Eccentric collective

Highlights the quirky and unusual aspects of the group.

Misfit crew

Emphasizes the nonconformist nature of the group.

Quirky assembly

Stresses the peculiar and whimsical traits of the group.

Offbeat gathering

Focuses on the unconventional and unusual nature of the meeting.

Idiosyncratic team

Highlights the unique and peculiar characteristics of the team.

Nonconformist set

Emphasizes the group's rejection of societal norms.

Unique ensemble

Highlights the distinct and special qualities of the group.

Peculiar cluster

Focuses on the strange and unusual nature of the gathering.

Individualistic circle

Emphasizes the independent and distinct nature of each person in the group.

FAQs

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

You can use "group of oddballs" to describe a collection of people who are unconventional or eccentric. For example, "The television show features a lovable "group of oddballs" working together in a quirky office environment."

What are some alternatives to saying "group of oddballs"?

Alternatives to "group of oddballs" include "eccentric collective", "unconventional bunch", or "misfit crew", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "group of oddballs" a formal expression?

No, "group of oddballs" is generally considered an informal expression. It is more suitable for casual conversation or creative writing than for formal academic or business contexts.

What is the connotation of "group of oddballs"?

The connotation of "group of oddballs" is generally lighthearted and humorous, suggesting that the people in question are unusual or quirky but not necessarily in a negative way. It can imply endearment or amusement.