it sounds strange

USAGE SUMMARY

"it sounds strange" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
You can use it when you want to express surprise, doubt or disbelief. For example: "I heard that John and Mary are getting divorced - it sounds strange, they seemed so happy together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It sounds strange.

The New York Times

It sounds strange, but yeah".

The Guardian

It sounds strange, but plays very well.

The Guardian - Tech

It sounds strange, but it happens".

The New York Times - Sports

"I know it sounds strange," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It sounds strange," Mr. Bezaury conceded.

The New York Times - Science

"I know it sounds strange," he says, almost conspiratorially.

Independent

I know it sounds strange, but it's been like therapy.

The Guardian - Music

"For a coach it sounds strange, I know.

The Guardian - Sport

It sounds strange, but what's old is new.

The New York Times - Travel

It sounds strange but I feel sorry for them".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your phrasing to avoid repetition. While "it sounds strange" is perfectly acceptable, consider alternatives like "it seems odd" or "it might seem peculiar" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

While useful, relying too heavily on "it sounds strange" can make your writing seem repetitive. Use it sparingly and opt for synonyms or alternative sentence structures to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds strange" primarily functions as an introductory remark or hedge, typically preceding a statement that the speaker anticipates might be perceived as unusual, surprising, or difficult to believe. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sounds strange" is a versatile phrase used to introduce potentially surprising or unbelievable statements. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to soften the impact of unusual information. While acceptable across contexts, alternatives can prevent repetition. Its frequent use reflects its effectiveness in preparing audiences for unexpected content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems odd

Replaces "sounds" with "seems" and "strange" with "odd", maintaining the same meaning.

it appears unusual

Substitutes "sounds" with "appears" and "strange" with "unusual", focusing on the perception of something being uncommon.

it might seem peculiar

Uses "might seem" to soften the statement and replaces "strange" with "peculiar", suggesting something is slightly off or eccentric.

it may sound weird

Replaces "strange" with "weird", making the statement more informal.

it strikes me as odd

Adds a personal perspective ("strikes me") and uses "odd" instead of "strange".

it comes across as bizarre

Changes the verb to "comes across" and uses "bizarre" to emphasize the unusual nature of something.

that's a curious thing to say

Shifts the focus to the statement itself being curious rather than just sounding strange.

that's an unorthodox perspective

Replaces the original phrase with a more formal acknowledgment of an unconventional viewpoint.

it defies expectations

Focuses on the unexpected nature of something, rather than just its strangeness.

i find that rather peculiar

Emphasizes the speaker's personal reaction of finding something peculiar.

FAQs

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

You can use "it sounds strange" to introduce a statement that might seem unusual or hard to believe. For example: "It sounds strange, but I actually enjoy cleaning."

What can I say instead of "it sounds strange"?

You can use alternatives like "it seems odd", "it appears unusual", or "it might seem peculiar" depending on the context.

Is "it sounds strange" formal or informal?

"It sounds strange" is generally considered to be neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferable in academic writing.

What's the difference between "it sounds strange" and "it is strange"?

"It sounds strange" implies that the speaker is reacting to something they've heard or are about to say, acknowledging that it might be perceived as odd. "It is strange" is a more direct statement of something being unusual.