outside the norm

USAGE SUMMARY

"outside the norm" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this expression in situations when referring to something that is not typical or usual. For example: "Her approach to problem solving was outside the norm and very creative."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The outsider always has a more interesting life: he operates outside the norm and notices things that others do not.

The New York Times

These are big exceptions outside the norm.

The Guardian - Opinion

A: I think Belichick was quite far outside the norm.

The New York Times

"This was so far outside the norm," Dr. Redlener said.

The New York Times - Health

You can do your best to justify it, but it's well outside the norm.

The New Yorker

"If you were a little bit outside the norm," one man says, "you were miserable".

The New York Times

Remote detection is outside the norm for the agency, said Eben D. Thoma, an E.P.A. researcher.

The New York Times

The deviation from a random baseline was well outside the norm, according to Mr. Nelson.

The New York Times

But there are also several photographs which, let's say, fall outside the norm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Something perceived as outside the norm in any culture can create low-level anxiety.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was the only play of the game that was outside the norm," Rodgers said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "outside the norm" to describe situations, behaviors, or ideas that differ significantly from what is generally considered typical or standard. It adds a layer of nuance compared to simply saying something is 'unusual' or 'different'.

Common error

While "outside the norm" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or technical language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like 'deviating from the standard' or 'atypical' to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "outside the norm" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. As shown in Ludwig, it describes something that deviates from what is considered typical or standard. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "outside the norm" is a versatile phrase used to describe deviations from what is typical or expected. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news, scientific writing, and general discourse. While suitable for various contexts, consider more formal alternatives in highly academic settings. Remember to use it to add nuance when describing something unusual, rather than simply stating it is 'different'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of the ordinary

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the unusual nature.

uncommon

A straightforward term for something not frequently encountered.

atypical

A more concise adjective meaning not typical.

unconventional

Highlights a departure from accepted conventions or practices.

deviating from the standard

This alternative emphasizes the act of moving away from an established standard.

irregular

Focuses on the lack of conformity to a regular pattern or rule.

anomalous

Emphasizes that something is inconsistent with the general pattern.

aberrant

Suggests a deviation that is unusual or unwelcome.

exceptional

Can imply a deviation from the norm that is positive or remarkable.

breaking the mold

This idiom suggests a radical departure from established patterns.

FAQs

How can I use "outside the norm" in a sentence?

You can use "outside the norm" to describe anything that deviates from what is considered typical or standard. For example: "His behavior was "outside the norm" for a CEO."

What are some alternatives to "outside the norm"?

Alternatives to "outside the norm" include "atypical", "unconventional", and "out of the ordinary", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "outside the norm"?

Yes, "outside the norm" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English.

What does "outside the norm" mean?

"Outside the norm" means deviating from what is considered typical, usual, or standard.