it is very strange

USAGE SUMMARY

This sentence is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something as being unusual, out of the ordinary, or surprising. For example: "I found it very strange that he was so eager to accept the invitation without even knowing who was hosting the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

In the coarse, evolutionary perspective of life — that survival and reproduction are the main goals of existence — "it is very strange to not carry on reproducing," said Sam Ellis, who studies animal behavior at the University of Exeter in Britain.

The Washington Post

However, Senegal captain Mohamed Diame, who plays for West Ham in England, is perplexed and told BBC Sport that he believes "it is very strange" to leave Ba out.

BBC

After all, Mazeikiu Nafta "was built for Russian raw materials because of its location, so it is very strange to say we will not sell to the Russians when, anyway, the factory is dependent on Russian oil".

The New York Times

He said science fiction had lost its fringe status: "It is very strange and striking that when I was a teenager it made me an outcast and a nerd, I was a prime geek and now I'm director of a mainstream cultural institution and doing shows at the Barbican.

The Guardian - Film

Well, it is very strange.

The New York Times

It is very strange," says Egbers.

The Guardian - Sport

"It is very strange," said Gibney.

The Guardian - Film

"It is very strange," he says.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

"It was very strange.

The New Yorker

"It's very strange.

The New York Times

It's very strange mentally".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is very strange" to express surprise or disbelief when encountering something that deviates from the expected norm. Be mindful of the context and audience, as the phrase can sometimes sound informal depending on the situation.

Common error

While acceptable in general writing, "it is very strange" can sound less sophisticated in formal or academic contexts. Consider using more precise and nuanced language such as "it is highly unusual" or "it is quite remarkable" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is very strange" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing a subjective assessment of something as being unusual, odd, or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is very strange" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express surprise or disbelief. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is suitable for general use, but the register may need adjustment for formal writing. Its frequency is high, especially in news and media, reflecting its role in conveying reactions to unusual events. When writing, be mindful of the context and audience, and consider more nuanced alternatives like "it is quite unusual" to avoid overuse and maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is very weird

Replaces "strange" with "weird", suggesting a higher degree of oddness or bizarreness.

it is quite strange

Substitutes "very" with "quite", softening the intensity of the strangeness.

it is rather strange

Uses "rather" instead of "very", indicating a more subtle level of strangeness.

it is extremely strange

Emphasizes the strangeness with "extremely", increasing the intensity.

it is odd

Replaces the entire phrase with a simpler, more direct expression of oddness.

it is peculiar

Substitutes "strange" with "peculiar", indicating a deviation from the norm.

it is unusual

Replaces "strange" with "unusual", focusing on the lack of commonality.

it is surprising

Shifts the focus to the unexpected nature of the situation.

it is baffling

Replaces "strange" with "baffling", emphasizing the incomprehensibility.

it is perplexing

Substitutes "strange" with "perplexing", highlighting the confusing aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "it is very strange" in a sentence?

You can use "it is very strange" to express your surprise or confusion about something unusual. For example, "It is very strange that he didn't show up to the meeting after confirming his attendance".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is very strange"?

Alternatives include "it is very weird", "it is quite strange", or "it is rather strange", depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is very strange"?

It's appropriate to use "it is very strange" in everyday conversations or informal writing when you want to express mild surprise or confusion. In more formal settings, consider using a more sophisticated alternative.

Is there a difference between "it is very strange" and "it sounds very strange"?

"It is very strange" typically refers to something being unusual in general. "It sounds very strange" implies that something seems odd based on what you've heard or been told.