highly peculiar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly peculiar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very unusual or strange. Example: "The behavior of the cat was highly peculiar, as it seemed to be staring at an empty corner of the room for hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Noting the cheesy special effects, a reviewer for The New York Times called it "highly peculiar".

The New York Times

The programme of mural paintings in the Cluniac chapel of Berzé-la-Ville in Burgundy has a highly peculiar iconography.

Journal of Medieval History

If convicted, the two held in the sniper shootings will add a highly peculiar chapter to the already saturated history of the serial killer.

The New York Times

If the men are convicted, they will add a highly peculiar chapter to the already saturated history of the multiple killer.

The New York Times

This may strike one as highly peculiar, but such is the way nature appears to be. Figure 6: Experiment to determine the correlation in measured angular momentum values for a pair of protons with zero total angular momentum.

Britannica

Taiwan's postwar performance was only possible because of highly peculiar circumstances arising from the separation of one ruling elite from its base on the mainland and its willingness, on exile in Taiwan, to eradicate the existing landlord and merchant classes nurtured under Japanese colonialism.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Bloggers have called it "bizarre," "highly bizarre," "peculiar" and "appropriately odd".

The New York Times

We do get that Gavin Highly is peculiar, but we might be nudged by this story to wonder what treasures we have in our own lives that may not be worth what we think they are.

The New Yorker

She praises Robert Frost as "the master", denies her talent even approaches Dickinson's ("like comparing Michelangelo to a local artist") but does list their similarities: "short poems, aphoristic, highly metaphoric, peculiar but intense in the rhymes".

The Guardian - Books

That grants too much credence to her particular, peculiar and highly selective definition of piety.

The New York Times

Meredith Adler, senior equity analyst for Lehman Brothers, pointed out that such a highly splintered market is peculiar to the state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "highly peculiar", ensure the context provides specific details that illustrate the unusual or strange nature of the subject. Avoid using it as a vague descriptor.

Common error

While "highly peculiar" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem less objective. Consider using more precise and nuanced language to describe the subject's unique qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly peculiar" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its unusual or strange quality. It intensifies the degree of peculiarity, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly peculiar" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to describe something notably unusual or strange. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility. While not the most common phrase, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "highly peculiar", ensure the context clearly illustrates the subject's odd nature and consider more precise alternatives for formal or technical writing. Related phrases like "very strange" or "extremely odd" can offer simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very strange

Replaces "peculiar" with "strange" and "highly" with "very", offering a more common alternative.

extremely odd

Substitutes "highly peculiar" with "extremely odd", emphasizing the unusual nature.

particularly unusual

Replaces "highly peculiar" with "particularly unusual", highlighting the exceptional nature.

remarkably bizarre

Uses "bizarre" instead of "peculiar", suggesting a more outlandish quality.

uncommonly strange

Emphasizes the rareness of the strangeness.

unusually odd

Uses "odd" instead of "peculiar", indicating a deviation from the norm.

singularly curious

Emphasizes the uniqueness and intrigue of the subject.

distinctly abnormal

Highlights the deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

patently weird

Indicates an obvious and noticeable strangeness.

unaccountably odd

Highlights the lack of explanation for the oddness.

FAQs

What does "highly peculiar" mean?

The phrase "highly peculiar" means something is very unusual, strange, or odd. It suggests a noticeable deviation from what is considered normal or expected.

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

You can use "highly peculiar" to describe behaviors, events, or objects that stand out as strange or unusual. For example: "The cat's behavior was "highly peculiar" when it started staring at the wall."

What are some alternatives to "highly peculiar"?

Alternatives to "highly peculiar" include "very strange", "extremely odd", or "particularly unusual". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "highly peculiar" formal or informal?

"Highly peculiar" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While it can be used in various contexts, more formal situations might benefit from a more precise or technical description, depending on the context.