is atypical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is atypical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that deviates from the norm or is not typical in a given context. Example: "The behavior of the subject in this study is atypical compared to previous research findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Its approach is atypical.

The New York Times

The Boyd household, perhaps, is atypical.

The New York Times

As a pigeon flyer, Sedona is atypical.

The New Yorker

"This is atypical for us," Tiley said.

The New York Times - Sports

But in another sense, Mr. Romney is atypical.

The New York Times

That is not the only way this recession is atypical.

The New York Times

The Coast is atypical of the state as a whole.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As an understatement, you could say that the exterior of HL23 is atypical.

The New York Times - Magazine

Very green, very Greek and very serene, Skopelos is atypical of the Aegean islands.

The Guardian - Travel

My case is atypical: 26-year-old men don't generally get stomach cancer.

The Guardian - Opinion

I suspect that for PhD students in the US and Britain, my experience is atypical.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is atypical", ensure you provide context to clarify what the subject is deviating from. This makes the statement more meaningful and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is atypical" without specifying the norm against which something is considered atypical. Saying "This result is atypical" without reference makes the statement vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is atypical" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that it deviates from the norm or expected characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is atypical" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes a deviation from the norm. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. Its usage suggests a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for various writing styles. When employing "is atypical", it's crucial to provide specific context regarding the norm being deviated from to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives such as "is unusual" or "is not typical" can be used for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not typical

Replaces 'atypical' with its direct synonym, focusing on the absence of typical characteristics.

is unusual

Emphasizes the rarity or uncommon nature of something, highlighting its divergence from the expected.

is uncommon

Focuses on the infrequency of the subject, implying it's not often encountered.

is out of the ordinary

Highlights the exceptional nature of something, suggesting it doesn't fit within normal expectations.

is an exception

Indicates the subject is a deviation from a general rule or pattern.

deviates from the norm

Directly states the act of diverging from the standard or typical behavior.

differs from the standard

Highlights the difference or variance from an established standard.

is an anomaly

Suggests the subject is an irregularity or something that doesn't fit into a common pattern.

is peculiar

Emphasizes the odd or strange nature of something, often implying curiosity or interest.

is divergent

Highlights the act of branching off or differing significantly from a common path or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "is atypical" in a sentence?

You can use "is atypical" to describe something that deviates from the norm. For example, "His behavior during the meeting "is atypical", as he is usually very quiet".

What are some alternatives to "is atypical"?

Alternatives to "is atypical" include phrases like "is unusual", "is not typical", or "deviates from the norm".

Is it better to say "is atypical" or "is not typical"?

Both "is atypical" and "is not typical" are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific context. "Is atypical" might sound slightly more formal.

What does it mean when something "is atypical"?

When something "is atypical", it means that it does not conform to the usual or expected characteristics or patterns. It is unusual or exceptional in some way.