odd

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odd" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something unusual, strange, or not typical in various contexts. Example: "The weather has been quite odd lately, with sudden changes in temperature."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That seems odd.

The Economist

This is odd.

The New York Times

"It's odd.

The New York Times

I think there might have been the odd humorous comment over the porridge about supposing he had some work to do next week".

The Guardian

Gazans are materially cut off from the world economy, just as in Cuba: everything patched up and odd flashes of modernity amid an economy trapped in the 1970s – the occasional new car alongside battered Volvos and even more battered donkeys.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even perfectly ordinary trousers and tops can sometimes look odd because short people aren't just inflicted with short legs; we're short all over.

The Guardian - Travel

Martin Schulz, the president of the European parliament, refused to call a halt to this odd situation (which internally is now referred to as Nespressogate) even after being warned in writing more than a year ago by the joint leaders of the Green Group that coffee farmers in Latin America are facing "a real hunger crisis".

The Guardian - Opinion

After the final whistle the odd supporter used social media to allege that Carver – whose suddenly relegation-threatened side are now only five points above the bottom three and visit renascent Leicester on Saturday – had sworn at his detractors, before issuing an invitation "outside" for a fight.

The Guardian - Sport

These turned the story of the band into a surreal sitcom, casting them as a hapless odd couple – Spinal Tap meets Men Behaving Badly.

The Guardian - Music

That says a lot about the state's attitude to the individual's innocence before he has been tried, but even more about the state's odd sense of entitlement to the essence of each person.

The Guardian - Opinion

What's more, this sort of drama feels genuinely new: beyond the odd episode of Doctor Who and Quantum Leap, speculative alternate histories are rarely told on TV.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "odd", consider the degree of strangeness you want to convey. Alternatives like "strange" or "unusual" might be more appropriate for milder deviations from the norm, while "bizarre" or "eccentric" can emphasize more extreme deviations.

Common error

While "odd" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone seem less professional. Opt for alternatives like "unusual" or "atypical" in such contexts to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "odd" primarily functions to describe something as strange, unusual, or peculiar. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts, highlighting its versatility in conveying deviations from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "odd" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that deviates from the norm. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, confirms its frequent and correct usage. As Ludwig AI also confirms, while generally neutral in tone, contextual awareness is crucial: synonyms such as "unusual" or "peculiar" may be more appropriate in formal settings. The key takeaway is to ensure the chosen word aligns with the desired degree of deviation and the formality of the context. While "odd" is perfectly acceptable, strategic synonym selection can enhance precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange

This alternative emphasizes the unusual or unfamiliar nature of something.

unusual

Focuses on the atypical or uncommon aspect of something.

peculiar

Highlights the distinct and sometimes eccentric nature of something.

bizarre

Suggests a higher degree of strangeness, implying something strikingly unconventional.

eccentric

Implies a deviation from the norm, often in a charming or amusing way.

uncommon

Denotes something that is not frequently encountered.

weird

Conveys a sense of strangeness that is unsettling or mysterious.

curious

Highlights the intriguing or questioning nature of something that is not easily understood.

singular

Emphasizes the uniqueness and distinctiveness of something.

anomalous

Indicates a deviation from the standard or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "odd" in a sentence?

You can use "odd" to describe something strange or unusual, such as "That's an odd coincidence" or "He has some odd habits".

What's a more formal synonym for "odd"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "unusual", "atypical", or "peculiar" as alternatives to "odd".

What's the difference between "odd" and "strange"?

"Odd" and "strange" are often interchangeable, but "strange" can sometimes imply a greater degree of unfamiliarity or unease, while "odd" might suggest something is merely peculiar or unconventional.

Is it correct to say "odd" behavior or "odd" behaviour?

Both spellings are correct, but "behavior" is more common in American English, while "behaviour" is more common in British English.