highly unconventional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "highly unconventional" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that deviates significantly from the norm or traditional practices. Example: "Her highly unconventional approach to problem-solving often leads to innovative solutions that others might overlook."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His highly unconventional "Madonna with SS.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the standards of the day, Bloomsbury was highly unconventional.

The Guardian - Arts

What movement there was in his first two novels was highly unconventional.

The New York Times - Books

More strikingly, The Railway Children reflects on the highly unconventional life of its author.

The Guardian

These are all difficult, bold and risky projects made in a distinctive and highly unconventional way.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In her introduction, Radycki calls her book a "slightly unconventional monograph of a highly unconventional artist".

The New Yorker

Thus, although Mrs. Clinton is in the thick of a highly unconventional contest, she is running a very conventional campaign.

The New York Times

He also said it was unlikely that the RBA would need to use highly unconventional monetary policy to encourage growth.

The Guardian

"I hope we're all ready to leave the phenomenal world, and enter into the sublime?" he asks rhetorically, at the beginning of one of his highly unconventional classes.

The Guardian - Books

The young Austen signals her audacity by turning the figure of the predatory male seducer into a highly unconventional (and middle-aged) seductress.

The Guardian - Books

Calvary is a different proposition from his black comedy The Guard, from 2011, in which Gleeson played a highly unconventional cop.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly unconventional" to describe something that departs significantly from established norms or traditions, but ensure the context makes it clear whether this deviation is positive, negative, or simply neutral.

Common error

Avoid using "highly unconventional" as a generic positive descriptor. Be specific about how something is unconventional and what makes it effective or interesting. For example, instead of just saying "their marketing strategy was highly unconventional", explain that "their marketing strategy, with its guerilla tactics and focus on user-generated content, was highly unconventional and proved remarkably effective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly unconventional" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically used to describe nouns. It emphasizes that something deviates significantly from established norms, traditions, or standards. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "highly unconventional" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjectival modifier that emphasizes a significant deviation from established norms. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is valid and versatile. It serves to highlight the unique or unusual nature of something across a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific discourse. While the phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, ensure that its use is precise and contributes meaningfully to the description. Consider alternatives like "extremely unorthodox" or "strikingly original" for nuanced expressions. Avoid overuse by being specific about the ways something is unconventional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely unorthodox

Emphasizes a greater deviation from established norms.

distinctively nonconformist

Highlights the unique and rebellious aspect.

remarkably atypical

Focuses on the rarity and unusual nature.

exceptionally innovative

Suggests a positive departure from the standard.

strikingly original

Emphasizes the creative and novel quality.

singularly unique

Underscores the one-of-a-kind characteristic.

patently aberrant

Implies a more negative deviation, suggesting something is flawed.

manifestly irregular

Highlights the deviation from established rules or procedures.

radically different

Stresses the extent and impact of the deviation.

unusually groundbreaking

Combines the ideas of novelty and advancement.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly unconventional" to describe anything that deviates significantly from the norm. For example: "The artist's use of recycled materials was a "highly unconventional" approach to sculpture".

What are some alternatives to saying "highly unconventional"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "extremely unorthodox", "remarkably atypical", or "strikingly original". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "highly unconventional" or "very unconventional"?

"Highly unconventional" suggests a more significant deviation from the norm than "very unconventional". The choice depends on the degree of difference you want to emphasize. "Highly" often implies a more deliberate or noticeable departure.

What's the difference between "highly unconventional" and "distinctively different"?

"Highly unconventional" implies a departure from established norms or traditions, whereas "distinctively different" simply means something stands out or is easily distinguishable. Something can be distinctively different without being unconventional; it may just have unique characteristics within existing norms.