peculiar shapes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peculiar shapes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe shapes that are unusual, strange, or not typical in appearance. Example: "The artist's latest sculpture features a series of peculiar shapes that challenge traditional forms."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The peculiar shapes of sphyrnid cephalofoils appear to serve several purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aislers Set, led by Amy Linton, bends its poppy tunes into peculiar shapes.

The New York Times

Their short resonators have varying and peculiar shapes, which produce a highly characteristic snarling tone; they can be difficult to keep in tune.

Britannica

It is a book about loneliness, in other words, and about the peculiar shapes into which technology can bend our experience of being solitary".

The Guardian - Books

In 1770, James Hutton, an experimental farmer and the owner of a sal ammoniac works, began poking into the peculiar shapes and textures of the Salisbury Crags, the looming, irregular rock formations in Edinburgh.

The New Yorker

Aislers Set, led by Amy Linton, is also fond of unlikely instrumental combinations, and as it bends its poppy tunes into peculiar shapes, it can sound like a girl group warped by a funhouse mirror.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The building's peculiar shape (standing out by a triangular-shaped "skyroom" atop its eight-story tower ) has become a symbol of the university; in addition, its close location to film studios based in the Hollywood borough of Los Angeles have prompted its inclusion in motion pictures such as Gattaca and Impostor.

Wikipedia

The teeth had a peculiar shape.

The New York Times - Science

The name refers to the peculiar shape of the trunk.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Why are so many congressional districts such a very peculiar shape?

The Economist

And "'Miliband's knob is a peculiar shape', says a doctor".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "peculiar shapes" in scientific writing, provide detailed descriptions or visual aids to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "peculiar shapes" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal contexts where more precise or technical terms might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "unusual formations" or "distinctive morphologies" for scientific or academic writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peculiar shapes" primarily functions as a descriptive element within a sentence. It modifies a noun, providing information about the form or appearance of that noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound for written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "peculiar shapes" is a grammatically sound and versatile descriptor used to denote unusual or atypical forms. As Ludwig AI highlights, the expression finds application across different domains, notably science, news media, and encyclopedias. While broadly suitable, writers should consider context and formality when selecting this phrase, potentially opting for more precise terms in highly formal settings. By considering usage patterns and potential alternatives, the writer can ensure that it effectively communicates the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual forms

Focuses on the deviation from the norm in terms of shape or structure.

strange figures

Emphasizes the odd or unfamiliar nature of the shapes.

odd shapes

Highlights the irregularity and unexpectedness of the shapes.

bizarre forms

Conveys a sense of the shapes being strikingly unconventional and eccentric.

anomalous shapes

Refers to shapes that are inconsistent with the typical or expected pattern.

atypical shapes

Denotes shapes that do not conform to the standard type.

irregular forms

Focuses on the lack of uniformity and symmetry in the shapes.

distinctive shapes

Highlights the unique and easily recognizable nature of the shapes.

unique shapes

Emphasizes the shapes being one-of-a-kind and without parallel.

uncommon shapes

Indicates that the shapes are not frequently encountered or observed.

FAQs

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

You can use "peculiar shapes" to describe anything that has an unusual or strange form. For example, "The rock formations had "peculiar shapes" due to erosion".

What are some alternatives to saying "peculiar shapes"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "unusual forms", "odd shapes", or "strange figures".

Is it more appropriate to say "peculiar shapes" or "unusual shapes"?

Both "peculiar shapes" and "unusual shapes" are correct. "Peculiar" implies something slightly more odd or eccentric than simply "unusual", but they are often interchangeable. Choose the word that best fits the tone and context of your writing.

What does "peculiar shapes" imply?

The phrase "peculiar shapes" implies that the shapes being described are not typical or ordinary. They possess qualities that make them stand out as strange, odd, or unique. The degree of strangeness can vary depending on the context.