it is odd that

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is odd that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is strange, unusual, or not expected. For example: "It is odd that the cat decided to nap in the oven."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its report said "it is odd" that the bank's biggest rivals have managed to find directors with stronger qualifications.

The New York Times

Its report said "it is odd" that the bank's biggest rivals had managed to find directors with stronger qualifications.

The New York Times

It is odd that its producer, Phil Spector, never pointed out the similarity with "He's So Fine" by the New York girl group The Chiffons.

Independent

And it is odd that the orchestra was compensated for its participation in a charity concert.

The New York Times - Arts

And, to cap it all, its cricket team can't win anything.Yet in a way it is odd that Britain's spirits should be low.

The Economist

It is odd that they did not.

The Economist

"But it is odd that it is taking so long".

The New York Times

But it is odd that countries should clump together into two broad clusters.

The Economist

But it is odd that the biotech sector has been punished so severely.

The Economist

It is odd that a Labour government should be introducing a similar scheme for young people.

The Economist

But it is odd that they've escaped any mention at all.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is odd that" to introduce a statement that contrasts with expectations or commonly held beliefs.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overuse of "it is odd that" in highly formal or academic writing might be perceived as too informal. Consider replacing it with a more formal alternative like "it is noteworthy that" or "it is peculiar that" for enhanced professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is odd that" functions as an introductory phrase to a clause expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief regarding a particular situation or fact. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is odd that" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or a sense of something being unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Academic and Science contexts. While generally suitable for most situations, writers should consider more formal alternatives in highly professional settings. Remembering to follow "that" with a complete clause and avoiding overuse can further enhance the effectiveness of this common expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's strange that

Replaces "odd" with "strange", maintaining a similar level of informality and surprise.

it's unusual that

Replaces "odd" with "unusual", which is a more neutral term, lacking the slight negative connotation of "odd".

it's curious that

Substitutes "odd" with "curious", suggesting a more intellectual or inquisitive bewilderment.

it's peculiar that

Replaces "odd" with "peculiar", implying a slight deviation from the norm.

it's surprising that

Changes the focus to the unexpected nature of the situation, rather than its strangeness.

it's remarkable that

Emphasizes the noteworthiness of the situation, rather than its oddity.

it's unexpected that

Highlights the lack of anticipation for the event, focusing on surprise.

it's atypical that

Uses a more formal term, "atypical", making it suitable for academic or professional contexts.

it's funny that

Implies a humorous or ironic element to the situation, which may not always be present with "odd".

it's incongruous that

Introduces a sense of disharmony or inappropriateness, which may not be inherent in "odd".

FAQs

How can I use "it is odd that" in a sentence?

You can use "it is odd that" to express surprise or confusion about something unexpected. For example, "It is odd that he didn't mention his promotion."

What can I say instead of "it is odd that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's strange that", "it's curious that", or "it's unusual that" depending on the context.

Is "it is odd that" formal or informal?

"It is odd that" leans towards the informal side but is generally acceptable in most contexts. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "it is noteworthy that".

What's the difference between "it is odd that" and "it is weird that"?

While both express surprise, "it is weird that" implies something unsettling or bizarre, whereas "it is odd that" simply suggests something unexpected or unusual. "It is odd that" is also slightly more formal.