peculiarly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "peculiarly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unusual or distinctive in a particular way. Example: "The painting was peculiarly vibrant, drawing the attention of everyone in the gallery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But if you are feeling that peculiarly intense pain of rejection, then exercise can help you to sleep and raise your mood and self-esteem.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Disingenuous!" He was then president of the party during the Ashdown years, and his unstinting efforts on the rubber chicken circuit gave a peculiarly Kennedy-esque spirit to the party that was especially his – gentle, civilised, humorous; nobody's poodles, but not Rottweilers either, as he put it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think Game of Love is a damp squib of a second track, Lose Yourself to Dance is too slow and the lyrics are either meaningless or sentimental in a peculiarly continental way.

The Guardian - Music

Inside it, Morris has found a bizarre fantasy that is peculiarly hard to analyse.

The Guardian

The rue Messier is a peculiarly bleak and narrow street, the first view of freedom for the countless thousands of released prisoners since 1867.

The Guardian

In a competition between a chocolate fireguard and an assistant referee, those peculiarly impotent additions vociferously promoted by Michel Platini as an alternative to video technology, the former would surely triumph when it came to usefulness.

The Guardian - Sport

It made her conscious of a peculiarly 21st-century agony in which "the quest for love and sexual intimacy swims against the tide of a therapised world that deconstructs love and a cynical internet world that commodifies sex".

The Guardian

Then ministers regressed to the peculiarly British view of liberty – the belief that freedom is best defined by the absence of government activity.

The Guardian - Opinion

The authors cite Russia's defeat by Japan in 1905 to claim that Russian foreign policy is coloured by what they imply is a peculiarly Russian "tendency to remember past debacles as humiliations".

The Guardian

It is the suggestion that she could, and should, have been bumped off as though she were some deranged South American dictator … "Mantel's contribution is peculiarly damaging because, while she appears so mild-mannered, her message is interpretable as a deadly one.

The Guardian - Books

I am inclined to think my lot peculiarly unfortunate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "peculiarly" to add a nuanced layer of meaning, indicating something is not just unusual but also has a distinct, often inexplicable, characteristic.

Common error

Avoid using "peculiarly" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and detract from its impact. Opt for synonyms like "unusually" or "strangely" to maintain variety.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "peculiarly" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something is done or exists in an unusual or distinctive way. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, with examples showcasing its application to describe intensity or strangeness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peculiarly" functions as an adverb used to describe something unusual, strange, or distinctive. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage in English, supported by numerous examples across various contexts. It's a versatile term, appearing frequently in news and media, and less often in scientific or formal business settings. When writing, be mindful of overusing "peculiarly" and consider synonyms like "unusually" or "strangely" to maintain a varied and engaging tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusually

Emphasizes deviation from the norm in a general sense.

strangely

Highlights the odd or bizarre aspect of something.

oddly

Similar to strangely, but can also imply something is curious.

remarkably

Stresses the noteworthy or exceptional nature of something.

distinctively

Focuses on the unique and recognizable qualities of something.

exceptionally

Emphasizes that something is above the average or standard.

particularly

Highlights a specific aspect as being especially significant.

uniquely

Indicates something exists as the only one of its kind.

curiously

Suggests an element of intrigue or mystery.

specially

Implies something is designed or adapted for a specific purpose or occasion.

FAQs

How can I use "peculiarly" in a sentence?

Use "peculiarly" to describe something that is unusual or distinctive in a specific way. For example, "The room was "peculiarly" silent" or "He has a "peculiarly" strong accent."

What are some words I can use instead of "peculiarly"?

Alternatives to "peculiarly" include "unusually", "strangely", "oddly", "remarkably", or "distinctively". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "peculiarly unique"?

While "peculiarly" can emphasize a specific quality, "peculiarly unique" is somewhat redundant, since unique already means one of a kind. Consider rephrasing to something like "uniquely distinctive" or "particularly unique" if you wish to maintain both concepts.

What is the difference between "peculiarly" and "especially"?

"Peculiarly" implies something is unusual or odd, while "especially" means particularly or to a great extent. For example, "He was "peculiarly" quiet today" suggests his silence was strange, whereas "He was "especially" helpful" means he was very helpful.