it is uncanny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is uncanny" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is strangely familiar or eerie, often in a way that evokes a sense of discomfort or surprise. Example: "The resemblance between the two paintings is so striking that it is uncanny."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It is uncanny how frequently this happens.

Harvard Business Review

And it is uncanny when life imitates Hollywood.

The New York Times - Arts

It is compressed by old age, congealed or stretched by smoking hash; it is "uncanny".

The New York Times - Books

It is uncanny how one brass instrument can seem to cancel, say, 12 cellos.

The New York Times - Arts

It is uncanny how successful the Yankees have been under Torre.

The New York Times - Sports

It is uncanny how much more likely you are to recognize opportunities if you're aware of what you're looking for.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It's uncanny.

The New York Times

It was uncanny.

The New Yorker

In fact, it's uncanny.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It was uncanny," says Setlak.

The Guardian

It was uncanny how well he played.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is uncanny" to describe situations where there's a striking resemblance or coincidence that feels beyond normal explanation. It's effective for creating a sense of unease or wonder.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, avoid overusing "it is uncanny" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to describe the phenomenon, such as "remarkably similar" or "unexpectedly aligned".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is uncanny" primarily functions as an evaluative expression. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe situations or observations that are strangely surprising, unsettling, or remarkably coincidental.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "it is uncanny" is a versatile phrase used to describe remarkably strange, surprising, or unsettling coincidences or similarities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media, with academic and scientific contexts also represented. While grammatically sound and widely understood, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives in highly formal settings. The phrase evokes a sense of wonder or unease, making it a valuable tool for descriptive and narrative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's strangely familiar

Focuses on the feeling of familiarity being odd or unexpected.

it's eerily similar

Highlights the unsettling nature of the similarity.

it's remarkably coincidental

Emphasizes the surprising and unlikely nature of the coincidence.

it's oddly synchronous

Suggests a peculiar timing or alignment of events.

it's peculiarly resonant

Highlights how something strangely evokes strong emotions or memories.

it's strangely predictive

Focuses on how past events anticipated the future with strange accuracy.

it's disturbingly accurate

Emphasizes the unsettling precision of something.

it's unexpectedly apt

Highlights how something is unexpectedly appropriate or fitting.

it's surprisingly prescient

Focuses on the unexpected foresight demonstrated by something.

it's weirdly appropriate

Emphasizes the strangeness of how fitting something is.

FAQs

How can I use "it is uncanny" in a sentence?

Use "it is uncanny" to describe something strangely familiar or eerily coincidental. For example, "It is uncanny how much he resembles my childhood friend."

What are some alternatives to "it is uncanny"?

You can use alternatives such as "it is eerie", "it is striking", or "it is unsettling depending on the context".

When is it appropriate to use "it is uncanny"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a sense of strangeness or unease about a similarity or coincidence. It works well in both narrative and descriptive writing.

Is "it is uncanny" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is uncanny" is suitable for neutral to slightly formal contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, consider more precise alternatives like "remarkably similar".