odd items

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odd items" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe unusual or unexpected objects or things in a particular context. Example: "While cleaning the attic, I came across several odd items, including an old typewriter and a collection of vintage postcards."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He uncovered especially odd items from the 1970s, an era he plans to draw from for the fall 2011 collection.

The New York Times

Occasionally, other salvageable or odd items show up, too: functional bicycles, kitchen sinks and stoves, and once, horrifically, a dead baby.

The New York Times

And for decades she has collected odd items and studied them: boxes of all kinds, doorknobs, old fabric, wallpaper, bottle necks.

The New York Times

The food is from Puebla (which makes it poblano), and includes some odd items like chapulines, which I ordered largely because I had never heard of them.

The New York Times - Travel

ANOTHER customer, perusing the odd items of yet another 99-cent store in this city, selects a synthetic black belt from a rack and wonders aloud whether it is long enough to complete the loop around his formidable girth.

The New York Times

While 1stdibs, the antique site, affixes many of its entries with the dreaded "price upon request" clause (expect a phone conversation about how $13,000 is impressively reasonable for what it is), there are also the odd items that can be picked up for a song.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Duly benumbed, you may slip the odd item of power or caprice into a pocket of memory, to take home.

The New Yorker

Among other odd item were 108 handsaws used for sawing frozen fish which were given to people on relief.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, May 27 , 1933P. 10 From Osaka comes report of odd item appearing in Japan Chronicle Directory, which supplies information on foreign firms doing business.

The New Yorker

The inside is a clutter of books and musical instruments, old washing-up, bits of paper and the odd item of clothing.

The Guardian - Books

By Von Ellbrecht and Richard Lockridge The New Yorker, May 27 , 1933P. 10 From Osaka comes report of odd item appearing in Japan Chronicle Directory, which supplies information on foreign firms doing business.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "odd items" with a more descriptive phrase if the specific nature of their oddity is crucial to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "odd items" as a vague placeholder. If the items have specific unusual qualities, describe those instead to provide more vivid imagery and information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd items" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "odd" acts as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "items". This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment and is evident in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "odd items" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe unusual or strange objects. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like ""unusual items"" or "strange items" can be used, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance and context. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates why the items are considered odd, providing specific details to enhance clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual items

Replaces "odd" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

strange items

Uses another common synonym for "odd", emphasizing the unfamiliar nature of the objects.

peculiar items

Substitutes "odd" with a more formal synonym, suggesting something slightly eccentric.

uncommon items

Focuses on the rarity of the items, rather than their strangeness.

curious items

Implies that the items are interesting and worth investigating due to their oddity.

weird items

A more informal and colloquial substitute for "odd", suggesting something bizarre.

bizarre items

Emphasizes the extremely unusual or outlandish nature of the items.

eccentric items

Highlights the unconventional and possibly quirky nature of the items.

atypical items

Focuses on the items not conforming to the usual type or pattern.

anomalous items

Indicates that the items deviate from what is standard, normal, or expected.

FAQs

How can I use "odd items" in a sentence?

You can use "odd items" to describe a collection of things that are strange, unusual, or unexpected. For example, "The antique store was full of "unusual items", including a taxidermied squirrel and a Victorian-era toaster."

What can I say instead of "odd items"?

You can use alternatives like "strange items", "peculiar items", or "uncommon items" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "odd items" or "unusual items"?

Both "odd items" and ""unusual items"" are correct and can often be used interchangeably. "Odd" might imply a slightly greater degree of strangeness or unexpectedness.

What is the difference between "odd items" and "curious items"?

"Odd items" suggests strangeness or peculiarity, while "curious items" implies that the items are interesting and intriguing, often because of their unusual nature. The latter suggests a positive connotation of interest, and the former a slightly negative connotation of strangeness.