it seems strange

USAGE SUMMARY

"it seems strange" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that you find unexpected, unusual, or perplexing. For example, "It seems strange that I haven't heard from her in weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it seems strange.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems strange that it should happen".

Independent

"It seems strange," he honked.

The Guardian - Sport

It seems strange at second glance, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

It seems strange the I.O.C. wouldn't have contemplated clothing.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it seems strange to pin our hopes on chains.

The New Yorker

But it seems strange that a biographer evades the question.

The New York Times - Books

It seems strange to talk of stable teams as losers.

The Guardian - Sport

"It seems strange to be that dog-crazy".

The New York Times

It seems strange at first; you're surrounded by all kinds of people.

Cornell University

In fact, it seems strange to emphasize genocides recognized by the government.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems strange" to introduce an observation that contrasts with expectations or prior knowledge. This can effectively set up a point of intrigue or mild disagreement.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it seems strange" as it can make your writing repetitive. Use synonyms like "it appears odd" or "it strikes me as unusual" to add variety and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

"It seems strange" functions as an introductory phrase to express a perception of something being unusual, unexpected, or puzzling. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show it introducing observations about various topics, from personal experiences to broader societal issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems strange" is a versatile and commonly used expression for conveying a sense of surprise, disbelief, or mild confusion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and applicable across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. The phrase's neutrality allows it to fit seamlessly into formal and informal communications, providing a softer, more subjective alternative to stating something directly "is strange". Whether used to introduce an odd observation or to express a personal feeling of bewilderment, "it seems strange" remains a valuable tool in a writer's or speaker's arsenal. To enhance your writing, remember to vary your sentence structures and avoid overuse, opting for synonyms when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use this phrase to add depth and intrigue to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears odd

Replaces "seems" with "appears" and "strange" with "odd", slightly changing the tone to suggest something is not quite right.

it feels peculiar

Shifts the perspective to a feeling, suggesting the strangeness is more of a subjective experience.

it strikes me as unusual

Emphasizes the speaker's personal reaction and the deviation from the norm.

i find it puzzling

Expresses personal confusion or difficulty in understanding the situation.

it's rather perplexing

Highlights the confusing aspect of the situation.

it's somewhat baffling

Emphasizes the incomprehensibility of the situation.

it's a bit of a mystery

Frames the situation as an unsolved puzzle.

that's quite out of the ordinary

Highlights the exceptional and uncommon nature of the matter.

it defies explanation

Suggests that there is no logical reason or reason behind what happened.

i'm taken aback by it

Indicates surprise and mild shock.

FAQs

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

Use "it seems strange" to express mild surprise or confusion about something. For example, "It seems strange that he hasn't called yet".

What are some alternatives to "it seems strange"?

Alternatives include "it appears odd", "it feels peculiar", or "it strikes me as unusual", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is there a difference between "it seems strange" and "it is strange"?

"It seems strange" implies a subjective impression, while "it is strange" presents the strangeness as a more objective fact. The former is often more polite or tentative.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems strange" in writing?

Use "it seems strange" when you want to express a personal sense of something being unexpected or out of the ordinary, especially in descriptive or reflective writing.