odd man out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "odd man out" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to someone or something that is different from the others in a group or set. For example, "The new employee was the odd man out in the office; everyone else had been working there for many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The odd man out will be Strickland.

The New York Times - Sports

Odd man out, John Paul Stevens, chose Northwestern.

The New York Times

The odd man out has been Matt Bonner, he of limited athleticism and unlimited shooting range.

The New York Times

And oddly, ODD MAN OUT was right where it should be.

The New York Times

Kissinger is the odd man out.

The New York Times - Books

Andrew: I was the odd man out.

The New York Times

The obvious odd man out is Romney.

The Washington Post

The odd man out was Paul Agnew.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

For Mr Lévy's company is the odd-man-out in the global advertising game.

The Economist

More than this, he has made Colombia the odd-man-out in the Andes.

The Economist

I think I was the odd man out!

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "odd man out" to describe someone or something that deviates from the norm in a specific context. Ensure the context is clear to understand why they are considered different.

Common error

Avoid using "odd man out" without providing sufficient context. The audience needs to understand the basis for the comparison to grasp why someone or something is considered the "odd man out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "odd man out" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As Ludwig AI shows, it identifies someone or something distinct from a group.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "odd man out" is a common phrase used to describe something or someone that doesn't fit in with a group. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, the phrase serves to highlight differences and often implies a sense of exclusion. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context makes clear the basis for comparison. Consider alternatives like ""outlier"" or ""misfit"" depending on the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the odd one out

A very similar variation, almost interchangeable.

the different one

Simple and direct way to point out someone's uniqueness.

one who doesn't belong

Emphasizes the feeling of not being part of a group.

misfit

A single word describing someone who doesn't fit in.

black sheep

Refers to someone who is different and doesn't conform to family or group norms.

square peg in a round hole

An idiomatic expression for something that doesn't fit.

outlier

Highlights statistical or contextual deviation from the norm.

fish out of water

Describes someone in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable situation.

the exception to the rule

Focuses on being different from the general pattern.

nonconformist

Highlights a deliberate choice to be different.

FAQs

How can I use "odd man out" in a sentence?

You can use "odd man out" to describe a person or thing that is different from the rest of a group. For example, "In the group of experienced professionals, the intern felt like the "odd man out"".

What's a synonym for "odd man out"?

Synonyms for "odd man out" include "misfit", "outlier", or "black sheep", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever appropriate to use "odd man out" in formal writing?

Yes, "odd man out" is acceptable in formal writing when used to describe a person or thing that differs from the norm in a clear and relevant way. For example, "Among the economic indicators, inflation remained the "odd man out", showing unexpected stability".

What is the difference between "odd man out" and ""outlier""?

"Odd man out" generally suggests a lack of belonging or fitting in, whereas ""outlier"" typically refers to a statistical anomaly or something that deviates significantly from a data set. While both indicate difference, "odd man out" carries a stronger connotation of social or contextual exclusion.