it was unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was unusual" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not typical or expected in a given context. Example: "The weather in April was surprisingly warm, and it was unusual for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was unusual, only because its author was not Judge Jed S. Rakoff.

The New York Times

It was unusual at the time for its use of re-enactments.

The New York Times - Arts

And it was unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was unusual," he said.

The New York Times

It was unusual behaviour for Tania Nicol.

The Guardian

"But I knew it was unusual".

The New York Times - Sports

"I thought it was unusual," he said.

The New York Times

It was unusual by any country's standards.

The Economist

I just never thought it was unusual".

The Guardian - Arts

"We recognized that it was unusual.

The New York Times - Sports

At first it was unusual for me.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "it was unusual" with a specific reason or explanation of why the situation deviated from the norm. This provides context and clarifies the significance.

Common error

Avoid using "it was unusual" as a standalone statement without providing context. Always explain what made the situation unusual to avoid vagueness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unusual" functions as an evaluative statement. It is used to express that something deviated from the expected or typical pattern. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, from describing behavior to events. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was unusual" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to denote a deviation from the norm. Ludwig examples show that it frequently appears in News & Media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and useful to describe things that are not typical. To use it effectively, always provide context and specific reasons for the unusual nature of the subject. For greater impact, consider related phrases such as "it was atypical" or "it was unexpected" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was atypical

Replaces "unusual" with a synonym suggesting deviation from the typical.

it was out of the ordinary

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the situation.

it was unexpected

Highlights the surprise element of the situation.

it was rare

Focuses on the infrequency of the event.

it was uncommon

Similar to "rare" but with a slightly different connotation.

it was exceptional

Stresses the superior or outstanding nature of the event.

it was peculiar

Suggests something odd or strange.

it was remarkable

Highlights the noteworthiness of the situation.

it was unprecedented

Implies that the event had never happened before.

it was a departure from the norm

More formal way to describe something out of the ordinary.

FAQs

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

Use "it was unusual" to describe a situation, behavior, or event that deviates from the norm or expected pattern. For example, "It was unusual for him to be late, as he's normally very punctual."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was atypical", "it was unexpected", or "it was rare" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "it was unusual"?

Yes, you could say "it was exceptional" or "it was a departure from the norm" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "it was unusual" and "it was strange"?

While both describe something out of the ordinary, "it was unusual" simply means it's not typical, whereas "it was strange" implies that something is odd or peculiar in a way that might be unsettling.