it may be strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it may be strange" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something might be unusual or unexpected to someone. Example: "I know it may be strange to ask, but could you help me with this task?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Rupert Grint's American accent: It may be strange for the die-hard Potter-ites to accept, but Grint does American slacker surprisingly well.

Los Angeles Times

It may be strange to plagiarize old architecture, but it's stranger still to try to reproduce what one condo developer calls the art of city living.

The New York Times

But if a single event encapsulates the speculative, open-ended spirit of the project, it may be "Strange Fruit," the program next Friday by the singer-songwriter and playwright Eisa Davis.

The New York Times

While it may be strange that the regiment's reunion does not reflect that influx, General Phillips is quick to add that the unit's black Vietnam-era recruits are mostly absent, too.

The New York Times

While it may be strange to see Seinfeld performing a full-length stand-up set – rather than a load of minute-long snippets – this one-off UK date will be a must for fans.

The Guardian

The sixth season of the popular HBO TV series based on Martin's books has already caught up with his storylines, and he admitted it may be strange for readers to find those who watch the TV series ahead of them with plot lines for the first time.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Harper may be strange, it may be foreign-seeming, and it may even be a little frightening -- but as an option, it's on the table.

Vice

"Although the concept of the video game may be strange, it's stranger that our society has accepted and normalized guns and violence through video games, yet we still find tampons and menstruation unspeakable," reads an in-game statement written by the creators.

Huffington Post

This one is optional use a toner of your choice or rub ice cubes over your face may be strange but, it does work wonders on the skin.

WikiHow

Although this may be strange to hear, emotional bond, think about it clearly.

WikiHow

Techno may be strange at first, but you will soon see that the strange-ness makes it unique and appealing!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it may be strange", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for your reader. For example, specify the action, idea, or situation that might be perceived as strange.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be strange" as a standalone disclaimer. Instead, follow it with a clear explanation of why something might be perceived as strange, to provide context and prevent reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it may be strange" functions as a hedge or disclaimer. It softens the introduction of a statement or action that might be perceived as unusual or unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may be strange" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potentially unusual statements or actions, serving as a linguistic hedge to mitigate surprise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, its neutral register allows for use in various settings. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what 'it' refers to, and avoid overuse without proper context. Consider alternatives such as "it might seem odd" or "it could appear unusual" for subtle variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it might seem odd

Replaces 'may' with 'might' and 'strange' with 'odd', slightly softening the assertion of strangeness.

it could appear unusual

Substitutes 'may be' with 'could appear' and 'strange' with 'unusual', suggesting a potentially deceptive appearance.

it may strike you as peculiar

Adds a direct address to the listener and replaces 'strange' with 'peculiar', emphasizing a subjective reaction.

it may seem out of the ordinary

Uses a more verbose expression emphasizing that something is not typical or routine.

it might be considered atypical

Replaces 'strange' with 'atypical', introducing a more formal and analytical tone.

it may come across as unconventional

Focuses on the perception of the action, using the word "unconventional" to suggest a departure from norms.

it might raise eyebrows

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey surprise or disapproval instead of directly stating strangeness.

it might be thought of as unorthodox

Employs 'unorthodox' to imply a divergence from established methods or beliefs.

it might be an anomaly

Highlights the irregular nature of something, presenting it as an exception to the general rule.

it could be seen as a curiosity

Emphasizes the interesting and intriguing aspect of the thing, softening the judgment on it.

FAQs

What does "it may be strange" mean?

The phrase "it may be strange" indicates that something could be perceived as unusual, odd, or unexpected by someone. It's often used to preface a statement or action that deviates from the norm.

How can I use "it may be strange" in a sentence?

You can use "it may be strange" to introduce a statement or action that you anticipate might seem unusual. For instance, "It may be strange, but I actually enjoy cleaning." This prepares the listener for something unexpected.

What can I say instead of "it may be strange"?

You can use alternatives like "it might seem odd", "it could appear unusual", or "it may strike you as peculiar" depending on the context.

Is "it may be strange" formal or informal?

"It may be strange" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it might be considered atypical" exist for academic or professional settings.