not typical of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not typical of" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that deviates from the usual characteristics or behavior of a person, group, or thing. Example: "Her reaction was not typical of someone in that situation." Alternative expressions include "uncharacteristic of" and "atypical of."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not typical of war.

The New York Times

His interests are not typical of Washington.

The New York Times

Posed photographs, though, are not typical of Mr. Salgado's work.

The New York Times - Arts

These exotics are not typical of the new intake.

The Guardian

It's not typical of me to have these fantasies.

The Guardian - Sport

That was not typical of Senate elections in New Jersey.

The New York Times

"It's just not typical of our team," Laviolette said.

The New York Times - Sports

This story is not typical of stroke victims.

The New York Times

"My biography is not typical of a modern American president".

The New York Times

His private pursuits were not typical of the judiciary.

The Guardian

Lobov was not typical of the mood, though.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not typical of", ensure that the contrast is clear and that the audience understands what the typical case would be. This provides context and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something is "not typical of" a group, it is necessarily rare in an absolute sense. Always consider the base rate of the characteristic in question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not typical of" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It's used to attribute a characteristic as being an exception to a norm or expectation, providing a nuanced description. According to Ludwig, this phrase is generally correct and usable in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not typical of" is a versatile phrase used to denote a deviation from the norm. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. While similar phrases exist, such as "atypical of" and "uncharacteristic of", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the contrast is clear and avoid assuming that because something is "not typical of" a group, it is necessarily rare.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

uncharacteristic of

Emphasizes a deviation from usual character or behavior.

atypical of

Highlights the non-standard or unusual nature.

not representative of

Suggests that something does not accurately portray a larger group or category.

deviant from

Focuses on the divergence or departure from a standard or norm.

distinct from

Highlights the difference and separateness from something else.

anomalous for

Implies a rare or exceptional deviation from the expected pattern.

uncommon to

Indicates something is not frequently observed or experienced.

rare for

Emphasizes the infrequency or scarcity of a particular occurrence.

unconventional for

Highlights the departure from established norms or practices.

aberrant from

Suggests a deviation from what is considered proper or normal.

FAQs

How can I use "not typical of" in a sentence?

You can use "not typical of" to describe something that deviates from the usual characteristics of a person, thing, or situation. For example, "This weather is "not typical of" this time of year".

What are some alternatives to saying "not typical of"?

Alternatives include "uncharacteristic of", "atypical of", or "not representative of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "not typical of" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when you need to precisely indicate that something deviates from the norm without necessarily implying that it is abnormal or undesirable. The context should clearly establish what is considered typical.

Is there a difference between "not typical of" and "atypical of"?

While similar, "not typical of" might suggest a milder deviation, while "atypical of" could imply a more significant or unexpected departure from the norm. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you wish to convey.