highly irregular

USAGE SUMMARY

"highly irregular" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is extremely unusual or deviating from the norm. For example: "His behavior was highly irregular and completely unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Highly irregular".

The New York Times - Sports

"Garbage collection is highly irregular.

The New York Times

This was highly irregular.

Columbia University

These are, then, highly irregular circumstances for deploying lethal force.

The Guardian - Opinion

During persistent activity, spiking of many neurons is highly irregular.

Yale University

This is legal under golf's rules if highly irregular.

The New York Times - Sports

Districts were given highly irregular shapes to give Republicans an additional advantage.

The New York Times

In addition, petitioners' pejorative characterizations of the Florida Supreme Court's decision are unfounded and highly irregular.

The New York Times

But the piece itself looks ordinary, like a batch of highly irregular cobblestones awaiting installation.

The New York Times - Arts

Districts were given highly irregular shapes to give Republicans a further advantage.

The New York Times

"I thought it was highly irregular," said Mr. Dana, who runs the Actor's Studio in Haddonfield.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "highly irregular", ensure that the context clearly establishes the expected norm against which the irregularity is being measured. This provides a clear understanding of the deviation.

Common error

While "highly irregular" is appropriate for formal and professional settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "very odd" or "unusual" in casual conversation to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly irregular" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing something that deviates significantly from what is considered normal or standard. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase is used to qualify a wide range of subjects from shapes and objects to processes and behaviors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

13%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly irregular" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something that deviates significantly from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse fields. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's particularly prevalent in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by establishing the expected norm against which the irregularity is being measured. Consider using simpler alternatives like "very odd" in casual settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely anomalous

Emphasizes deviation from the norm to a greater extent.

markedly abnormal

Focuses on the departure from what is considered normal or typical.

distinctly unconventional

Highlights a deviation from established customs or practices.

patently aberrant

Indicates an obvious and significant deviation from the standard.

strikingly atypical

Emphasizes the rarity and unusual nature of the subject.

uncommonly deviant

Stresses a rare level of departure from expected behavior.

particularly odd

Suggests a strange or peculiar quality that stands out.

singularly peculiar

Indicates a unique and somewhat mysterious strangeness.

notably exceptional

Focuses on being an exception to the rule.

noticeably out of order

Emphasizes disruption of the normal state or functioning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "highly irregular" in a sentence?

You can use "highly irregular" to describe something that deviates significantly from the norm. For example, "The company's accounting practices were "highly irregular" and raised concerns during the audit".

What are some alternatives to using "highly irregular"?

Alternatives include "extremely anomalous", "markedly abnormal", or "distinctly unconventional", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "highly irregular" and "somewhat irregular"?

"Highly irregular" indicates a significant deviation from the norm, while "somewhat irregular" suggests a milder deviation. The choice depends on the degree of abnormality you want to emphasize.

Can "highly irregular" be used in both formal and informal settings?

While "highly irregular" is grammatically correct in both settings, it is more commonly used in formal contexts. In informal settings, simpler terms like "very odd" or "unusual" may be more appropriate.