it's unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's unusual" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use it to describe something unexpected or out of the ordinary. For example, "It's unusual for Julie to be late. She's usually very prompt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Expert's view: "It's unusual.

Independent

"Well, it's unusual," Laban says of April's chicken.

The New York Times

It's unusual".

The New York Times

Because it's unusual.

The New York Times

It's unusual, extremely unusual".

The New York Times

Yes, it's unusual.

The New York Times - Arts

I know it's unusual".

The Guardian - Music

It's unusual, all right.

The New York Times - Food

"It's unusual for them.

The New York Times

He doesn't think it's unusual.

The New Yorker

It's unusual to have both".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's unusual" to politely express surprise or mild disapproval without being overly critical.

Common error

While "it's unusual" is generally acceptable, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "atypical", "uncommon", or "rare" to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's unusual" functions as a comment or observation, expressing that something deviates from the expected or typical. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe unexpected events, behaviors, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's unusual" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that deviates from the norm. As Ludwig AI points out, it is a generally acceptable phrase for use in written english to describe something unexpected or out of the ordinary. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, its neutral register makes it versatile for various situations. For writers seeking to diversify their vocabulary, alternatives such as "it's atypical" or "it's uncommon" offer similar meanings. When using the phrase, be mindful of over-repetition and consider the level of formality required for your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's atypical

This alternative focuses on how the situation deviates from a standard or norm.

it's uncommon

This alternative emphasizes the infrequency of the situation.

it's rare

This alternative stresses the scarcity of the situation.

it's exceptional

This highlights that the situation is an exception to the norm.

it's peculiar

This alternative suggests the situation is odd or strange.

it's odd

This emphasizes the strange or unexpected nature of the situation.

it's strange

This highlights the unfamiliar or unexpected aspect of the situation.

it's extraordinary

This emphasizes that the situation is remarkable.

it's unprecedented

This suggests that the situation has never happened before.

it's remarkable

This emphasizes that the situation is worthy of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "it's unusual" in a sentence?

You can use "it's unusual" to describe something that deviates from the norm or is unexpected. For example, "It's unusual for him to be so quiet".

What can I say instead of "it's unusual"?

You can use alternatives like "it's atypical", "it's uncommon", or "it's rare" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it's unusual" or "it is unusual"?

Both "it's unusual" and "it is unusual" are grammatically correct. "It's unusual" is a contraction of "it is unusual" and is generally more common in informal writing and speech.

Is "it's unusual" formal or informal?

"It's unusual" leans toward the informal side because it's a contraction. In more formal contexts, you might prefer "it is unusual", although "it's unusual" is still acceptable in many situations.