is an oddball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is an oddball" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is unconventional or different from the norm. Example: "In a world full of trends, she proudly embraces her unique style and is an oddball among her peers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

"This is an oddball situation," Solomon said.

The New York Times - Sports

It was said that our solar system is an "oddball".

Cornell University

The Milky Way is an oddball among spiral galaxies.

The Guardian

Feinberg is an oddball species himself: an urban ecologist.

The New Yorker

"New Hampshire is an oddball in the Northeast," he added.

The New York Times

Carroll, by method and temperament, is an oddball.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

Is that person stupid enough to read a message promising continuous male organic response?I know I'm an oddball, but I'm not a zealot.

The Economist

It's an Oddball.

The New York Times

But he was an oddball and a leftist.

Princeton University

"For me, it was novel — he was an oddball.

The New York Times

As a planet, Pluto has always been an oddball.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is an oddball", ensure the context makes it clear whether this is intended as a positive or negative attribute. While it can imply uniqueness and individuality, it may also suggest being out of place or socially awkward. Choose your wording carefully to convey the desired tone.

Common error

While "is an oddball" can add character to informal writing, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional contexts. Opt for more nuanced and professional language like "unconventional", "unique", or "distinctive" to maintain a polished and credible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is an oddball" functions as a predicate nominative or predicate adjective, providing a description or classification of the subject. Ludwig examples show it describing people, objects, and situations, attributing to them the quality of being unusual or unconventional. The phrase aligns with Ludwig AI indication of the phrase being correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is an oddball" serves to label something as unusual or different from the norm, and is grammatically sound. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While common in news and media, and also present in academic contexts, it's less frequent in formal or business settings. When writing, consider the tone as it can carry both positive and negative connotations depending on the specific context. Alternative phrasing includes "is an anomaly" or "is unconventional", each carrying slightly different nuances in meaning. Top authoritative sources featuring this term include The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a strange one

Uses "strange one" to convey the idea of being unusual or peculiar.

is an anomaly

Focuses on the idea of being a deviation from the norm or expected pattern.

is unconventional

Highlights the departure from established norms or conventions.

is eccentric

Emphasizes the quirky or peculiar nature of the subject.

is a nonconformist

Focuses on the subject's resistance to conforming to societal expectations.

is out of the ordinary

Stresses the exceptional or unusual nature of the subject.

is peculiar

Emphasizes the distinct and unusual quality of the subject.

is a maverick

Implies independence and a rejection of conventional behavior.

is a rare bird

Uses a metaphorical expression to describe someone unique and unusual.

is offbeat

Highlights the unconventional and slightly quirky nature of the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "is an oddball" in a sentence?

The phrase "is an oddball" is used to describe someone or something that is unusual or unconventional. For example, "His fashion sense is unique; he "is an oddball" among his peers".

What's a less informal alternative to "is an oddball"?

If you need a more formal alternative, consider phrases like "is unconventional", "is unique", or "is an anomaly". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "is an oddball" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "is an oddball" might be too informal for most academic writing. Opt for more precise and academic language to maintain a professional tone. Phrases like "deviates from the norm" or "presents an anomaly" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between saying someone "is an oddball" and saying they "are eccentric"?

"Is an oddball" generally implies being different or unusual, while "are eccentric" suggests a more deliberate and perhaps flamboyant departure from conventional behavior. Eccentricity often carries a positive connotation, while being an oddball can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the context.