it was odd

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was odd" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used when describing something that was strange or unusual. Here is an example: "As I walked through the abandoned house, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. It was odd - all the furniture was still in place, but there were no signs of life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was odd.

The New Yorker

It was odd but fun".

The New York Times

It was odd to watch.

Independent

It was odd to interview him then.

The New York Times

'Oh no, it was odd.

The Guardian - Books

"It was odd," Wohl recalled.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's odd.

The New York Times

It's odd, yes.

Yale University

But it's odd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's odd," Etkes said.

The New Yorker

"It's odd," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was odd" to describe situations, events, or behaviors that deviate from the norm and evoke a sense of mild surprise or curiosity. Be sure the context makes clear what the deviation is.

Common error

Avoid using "it was odd" as a standalone statement without explaining why something seemed odd. Provide specific details or context to clarify the unusual aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was odd" primarily functions as a subjective observation or commentary. It expresses a personal perception of something being unusual or strange. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used to describe deviations from the norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was odd" serves as a versatile expression for conveying a sense of something being unusual or out of the ordinary. Grammatically correct and very common as confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral register makes it suitable for use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While straightforward, remember to provide context and specifics to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "it seemed peculiar" or "it struck me as strange" can provide subtle variations in tone. Always ensure the reason why something seemed odd is clear to the audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It seemed peculiar

Replaces "odd" with "peculiar", suggesting a slightly more formal or nuanced strangeness.

It was rather peculiar

Similar to 'It seemed peculiar', but emphasizing the degree of peculiarity.

It struck me as strange

Uses "struck me as strange" to emphasize the personal feeling of something being unusual.

It felt unusual

Focuses on the feeling or sensation of something being not normal.

It appeared bizarre

Replaces "odd" with "bizarre", indicating a more extreme level of strangeness.

It looked weird

Uses "weird" for a more informal and direct expression of something being strange.

It was somewhat curious

Adds "somewhat curious" to suggest a mild level of interest in something unusual.

It was a bit strange

Adds "a bit strange" to soften the statement, indicating a slight degree of oddness.

It seemed out of place

Indicates that something did not fit in with its surroundings or context.

It didn't seem right

Expresses a feeling that something was not correct or appropriate.

FAQs

What does "it was odd" mean?

The phrase "it was odd" means that something was strange, unusual, or unexpected. It suggests a deviation from what is considered normal or typical.

How can I use "it was odd" in a sentence?

You can use "it was odd" to describe a situation, event, or behavior that you found unusual. For example: "It was odd to see him wearing a suit to the beach."

What can I say instead of "it was odd"?

You can use alternatives such as "it seemed peculiar", "it felt unusual", or "it struck me as strange depending on the context.

Is "it was odd" formal or informal?

"It was odd" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it leans slightly towards the informal side. More formal alternatives exist if a higher degree of formality is needed.