peculiar for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peculiar for" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey the intended meaning clearly.
It can be used when describing something that is unusual or distinctive in relation to a specific context or situation, but it is more common to use "peculiar to." Example: "The behavior of the animal was peculiar for its species, leading researchers to investigate further."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Introducing the music of Jan Dismas Zelenka, a contemporary of Bach's whose Trio Sonata No. 3 opened the Friday morning program, he slipped into a story about a recent musicological paper that alludes to Zelenka's sexual peculiarities (peculiar "for the time," he hastened to add).

The New York Times

Definitely peculiar for this late up there.

The Washington Post

Missing three straight cuts at the majors — that's pretty peculiar for me".

The New York Times - Sports

This seemed peculiar for an area normally known as the Upper East Side.

The New York Times

The British capital has a haven status that is peculiar for the factors working against it.

The New York Times

Brunelleschi selected some specific layers, outcropping at the "Trassinaia" quarry, peculiar for their mechanical strength.

Journal of Cultural Heritage

Page was of course stunning, but her looks were quite peculiar for her times.

The Guardian - Opinion

This seems peculiar for a woman who knowingly married into the KGB in 1994.

The Guardian

Maybe Dzeko had a point that it was peculiar for Mancini, with the score at 2-0, to replace him.

The Guardian - Sport

The notion of "space" is very peculiar for architecture in modern time: in a certain sense it could be described as a modern architectural neologism.

Columbia University

Against my conscience I gave them names too". The persecution of Falun Gong is all the more peculiar for the innocuousness of the religion.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "typical of" or "uncharacteristic of" to fine-tune the nuance of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "peculiar for" to describe traits that are universally considered strange. It's more effective when contrasting a specific instance against a more defined norm. For example, instead of saying "Being dishonest is peculiar for human", consider saying "Being dishonest is "uncharacteristic of" someone who is known for their integrity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peculiar for" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing it as unusual or unexpected in a particular context. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used to highlight a deviation from the norm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "peculiar for" serves to denote something unusual or unexpected within a specific context. Ludwig's analysis reveals it as an adjectival phrase frequently used in News & Media and Science. Though grammatically acceptable, alternative phrases like "unusual for" or "atypical for" might offer greater precision. It’s important to use "peculiar for" when contrasting something with a defined norm and avoid overly broad generalizations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange for

Directly conveys oddness or bizarreness. This alternative is a more informal and blunt way of expressing something unusual.

unusual for

Suggests something out of the ordinary. This alternative maintains a neutral tone while indicating deviance from the expected.

atypical for

Highlights deviation from the norm. This alternative focuses on the divergence from expected behavior or characteristics.

uncharacteristic of

Stresses deviation from usual behavior or traits. This emphasizes a change or departure from the norm.

unique to

Highlights exclusivity and distinctiveness. This implies that the characteristic is found only in the specified subject.

distinctive of

Implies a notable quality that sets something apart. This alternative focuses on clear differentiation.

characteristic of

Focuses on typical qualities rather than strangeness. This alternative shifts the emphasis from oddity to representativeness.

uncommon in

Indicates rarity or infrequency. This alternative specifies that the subject is not commonly found in a particular situation.

typical of

Emphasizes common or representative traits. This alternative presents a direct contrast to "peculiar", highlighting normalcy instead.

rare in

Highlights the infrequency of something's occurrence. This emphasizes the scarcity or limited presence of the characteristic.

FAQs

What does "peculiar for" mean?

The phrase "peculiar for" describes something that is unusual or unexpected given a particular context or standard. It suggests a deviation from what is considered normal or typical in that specific situation.

How can I use "peculiar for" in a sentence?

You can use "peculiar for" to highlight something that deviates from the norm within a defined context. For instance, "It's "unusual for" him to be late, but it's especially "peculiar for" him to miss a deadline."

What are some alternatives to saying "peculiar for"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "unusual for", "atypical for", "uncharacteristic of", or "distinctive of" to express a similar meaning.

When is it better to use "peculiar to" instead of "peculiar for"?

"Peculiar to" indicates that something is exclusive or unique to a specific person, thing, or group. Use "peculiar to" when you want to emphasize that something is inherent and specific, rather than just unusual in a given situation, use "peculiar for" otherwise.