remarkably unremarkable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'remarkably unremarkable' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used to describe something that would normally not stand out, yet is somehow still noteworthy or remarkable in some way. For example: "The old house had a remarkably unremarkable design - it was plain and unassuming, yet somehow had an air of elegance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He was remarkably unremarkable.

The Guardian - Books

The experience was remarkably unremarkable.

The Guardian

Despite all the drama, the 2016 campaign produced a remarkably unremarkable outcome.

The Washington Post

But otherwise, this nasal-pitched, finger-wagging quintet had remarkably unremarkable vocal chops.

The Guardian - Music

Turns out a fly-by-night dentist is remarkably unremarkable by the city's criminal standards.

The New York Times

That allowed quarterback Peyton Manning to have a remarkably unremarkable day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even her admirers sometimes struggle to forgive her for seeming so remarkably... unremarkable.

The New York Times - Books

But the pot-roast parade stood out for being both remarkably kind and unremarkable.

The Economist

In his portrait of an unremarkable widow, Mr. Wright makes her, quite remarkably, van Gogh's muse.

The New York Times

Anaesthesia has become a remarkably safe endeavour: less an event than a short and unremarkable hiatus.

The Guardian

Its domestic interiors were comfortable, understated, and remarkably homogeneous: you could almost always predict the kind of overstuffed furniture, unremarkable pictures, and standardized decorative objects you would find in them...

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "remarkably unremarkable" to create a subtle sense of irony or understatement, highlighting the contrast between expectation and reality. It is most effective when the context leads the reader to anticipate something more significant.

Common error

Avoid using "remarkably unremarkable" too frequently in your writing. Its impact diminishes with repetition, and it can start to sound cliché. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "remarkably unremarkable" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective. It describes something that is not only unremarkable but surprisingly so, creating an ironic or paradoxical effect. Ludwig AI shows its usage across a range of sources, highlighting its role in adding subtle emphasis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "remarkably unremarkable" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something surprisingly ordinary. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase functions as an intensifier, adding a touch of irony or mild surprise to the description. It's primarily found in news and media and science sources, indicating a neutral register. While effective, its impact diminishes with overuse. Remember to use it sparingly to maintain its subtle ironic effect. Alternatives such as "strikingly ordinary" or "surprisingly mundane" can offer similar nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strikingly ordinary

Emphasizes the contrast between expectation and the actual ordinariness.

surprisingly mundane

Highlights the unexpected commonness or lack of excitement.

notably average

Focuses on the fact that something is worth mentioning due to its averageness.

unusually typical

Points out the oddity in something being so very characteristic.

remarkably commonplace

Highlights that something is ordinary in a way that is worth noting.

conspicuously conventional

Draws attention to the obvious adherence to norms or standards.

noticeably pedestrian

Suggests a lack of originality or excitement that is hard to ignore.

distinctly unremarkable

Emphasizes the lack of outstanding qualities in a clear and obvious way.

incredibly run-of-the-mill

Stresses that something is extremely ordinary and unexceptional.

plainly unexceptional

Directly states the lack of any special or noteworthy qualities.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "remarkably unremarkable" in a sentence?

Use "remarkably unremarkable" to describe something that, despite being ordinary, stands out in its ordinariness or is surprisingly lacking in distinctive qualities. For instance, "His performance was "remarkably unremarkable", failing to impress anyone".

What are some alternatives to "remarkably unremarkable"?

Alternatives include "strikingly ordinary", "surprisingly mundane", or "notably average". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "remarkably unremarkable" grammatically correct?

Yes, "remarkably unremarkable" is grammatically correct. It uses an adverb ("remarkably") to modify an adjective ("unremarkable"). The phrase is used to indicate a surprising lack of distinguishing features.

In what contexts is "remarkably unremarkable" most appropriate?

The phrase "remarkably unremarkable" is most appropriate in contexts where there is an element of irony or surprise associated with something being very ordinary. It can be used in news articles, academic papers, or even casual conversation.