highly unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

'highly unusual' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is particularly unusual. For example: "The highly unusual results of the experiment surprised everyone in the lab."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Highly unusual?

The New York Times

It's highly unusual".

The New York Times - Health

This is highly unusual.

The New York Times

"It seems highly unusual.

The New York Times

This was highly unusual.

The New Yorker

That's highly unusual".

The New York Times

This picture is highly unusual.

The New Yorker

The ban is highly unusual.

The New York Times - Arts

The arrangement is highly unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

This arrangement was highly unusual.

The New York Times

Apparently it was highly unusual.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "highly unusual" to underscore the rarity and unexpected nature of an event, situation, or characteristic. This phrase adds emphasis and can make your writing more impactful when describing deviations from the norm.

Common error

Avoid using "highly unusual" to describe everyday occurrences or situations that are only slightly uncommon. Overuse can dilute the phrase's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "highly unusual" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to emphasize the exceptional nature of the noun it describes, indicating a significant deviation from the norm, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "highly unusual" is a commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys the exceptional nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations truly deviating from the norm to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "extremely rare" or "remarkably uncommon" for nuanced emphasis. By understanding its function and context, writers can leverage "highly unusual" to enhance their descriptions and captivate their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely rare

Emphasizes the infrequency of the occurrence.

remarkably uncommon

Highlights the exceptional nature of its lack of commonality.

extraordinarily atypical

Focuses on the deviation from a typical example.

singularly exceptional

Stresses the uniqueness and positive deviation from the norm.

decidedly out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the clear difference from what is considered normal.

patently anomalous

Indicates a clear and obvious deviation from the standard.

strikingly unprecedented

Highlights the lack of prior instances or parallels.

distinctively peculiar

Focuses on the unique and perhaps odd nature of the event.

uncommonly strange

Stresses the exceptional level of strangeness.

unusually unconventional

Highlights the deviation from established norms and practices.

FAQs

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

You can use "highly unusual" to describe something that deviates significantly from the norm. For example, "It is "highly unusual" to see snow in July".

What are some alternatives to "highly unusual"?

Alternatives to "highly unusual" include "extremely rare", "remarkably uncommon", or "extraordinarily atypical".

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

"Highly unusual" implies a greater degree of rarity and deviation from the norm compared to "very unusual". The choice depends on the context and the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

What makes something "highly unusual" as opposed to simply "unusual"?

The addition of "highly" intensifies the degree of unusualness, suggesting that the subject is not just uncommon but exceptionally so. It emphasizes that the occurrence is significantly outside the expected range.