it seemed strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seemed strange" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a feeling of oddness or peculiarity about a situation or observation. Example: "When I walked into the empty room, it seemed strange to me that no one was there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It seemed strange, but strangely appropriate that Torre said the Yankees "established that we're a contending club again".

The New York Times - Sports

"It seemed strange.

The New York Times

To him, it seemed strange to believe in two gods.

The New Yorker

Still, it seemed strange that no one had mentioned anything.

Independent

We didn't press him, but it seemed strange.

The New York Times

It seemed strange and fateful to be standing in the dark near her, holding the shotgun.

The New Yorker

It seemed strange that so many Russians would want to go to Peru.

The New Yorker

It seemed strange that either of these groups of people — the fans and the team — "represented" the other.

The New Yorker

"It seemed strange that they were offering guys who wouldn't pan out".

The New York Times - Sports

Three immensely powerful films, so good that it seemed strange they were being shown on ITV.

The Guardian

It seemed strange that more resources weren't dedicated to preserving these ancient relics.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seemed strange" to express a subjective feeling of something being unusual or unexpected, rather than stating an objective fact. This phrase is useful for setting a tone of curiosity or mild surprise in your writing.

Common error

While "it seemed strange" is acceptable in most contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "it appeared unusual" or "it was unexpected" in academic or professional writing to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seemed strange" functions as an introductory clause expressing a subjective observation or assessment. It sets the stage for describing something that deviated from the expected norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

5%

Social Media

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it seemed strange" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express a subjective sense of something being unusual or unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, particularly in news and media, but can also be found in other contexts. While suitable for general use, remember to consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional writing. Be sure to use this phrase to set a tone of curiosity and mild surprise in your writing, avoiding overuse, and opting for specific alternatives depending on the nature of strangeness you want to highlight. This ensures effective communication while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it struck me as odd

Focuses on the personal perception of something being odd.

it felt peculiar

Emphasizes the feeling or sensation of something being unusual.

it appeared unusual

Highlights the visual impression of something differing from the norm.

it was somewhat surprising

Shifts the focus to the element of surprise experienced.

it was a bit disconcerting

Conveys a feeling of unease or disturbance caused by the strangeness.

it was rather unexpected

Underscores that the event or situation wasn't anticipated.

it defied explanation

Highlights the lack of a clear or logical reason for the situation.

it raised eyebrows

Indicates that the situation caused surprise or disapproval.

it begged belief

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting the truth or reality of something.

it seemed out of place

Highlights the feeling of something not belonging or fitting in.

FAQs

How can I use "it seemed strange" in a sentence?

You can use "it seemed strange" to express a feeling that something was odd, unusual, or out of place. For example, "It seemed strange that he didn't say goodbye before leaving".

What are some alternatives to "it seemed strange"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it felt peculiar", "it appeared unusual", or "it was somewhat surprising" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it seemed strange" formal or informal?

"It seemed strange" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both casual and more formal contexts. However, for very formal writing, consider using alternatives that sound more objective.

What is the difference between "it seemed strange" and "it was strange"?

"It seemed strange" implies a subjective perception or feeling, while "it was strange" presents the strangeness as more of an objective fact. The former focuses on personal experience, whereas the latter focuses on objective assessment.