something unusual

USAGE SUMMARY

"something unusual" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to something that is out of the ordinary or atypical. For example, "The professor explained the concept using something unusual – he used an analogy about dancing chickens!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Something unusual".

The New Yorker

But then something unusual happened.

The New York Times

"Something unusual is going on.

The New Yorker

But something unusual happened.

The New York Times

Miles ahead, something unusual was happening.

The New Yorker

There's something unusual about this business.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Just odd enough to mean something unusual.

The New York Times - Books

They know they're seeing something unusual.

The New York Times - Arts

Klass has done something unusual.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But recently something unusual happened.

The New York Times

There's something unusual about cool-cat Luigi.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "something unusual" when you want to subtly highlight a deviation from the norm without necessarily implying negativity or judgment.

Common error

While versatile, "something unusual" can sound too informal in highly academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise and formal alternatives like "atypical phenomenon" or "unprecedented event" when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "something unusual" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to an event, situation, or object that deviates from the norm. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "something unusual" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a deviation from the norm across various contexts. Ludwig AI validates its widespread usage and grammatical correctness. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be suitable for strictly academic or professional settings. Its prevalence in news and media reflects its importance in highlighting noteworthy deviations. When used effectively, "something unusual" can add nuance and emphasis to writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an uncommon occurrence

This alternative focuses on the infrequency of the event.

a peculiar thing

This suggests that the thing is strange or odd.

an odd situation

This alternative highlights the strangeness of the circumstances.

a remarkable event

This emphasizes that the event is worthy of attention.

a singular instance

This emphasizes the uniqueness and rarity of the instance.

a curious phenomenon

This suggests that it is an interesting and unexplained phenomenon.

an atypical happening

This stresses that the happening deviates from the norm.

a novel development

This highlights the newness and originality of the development.

an unprecedented case

This emphasizes that there is no prior occurrence of the case.

a deviant matter

This suggests that the matter is straying from established norms or expectations.

FAQs

How can I use "something unusual" in a sentence?

You can use "something unusual" to describe an event, object, or situation that deviates from the norm. For example: "Something unusual happened at the meeting today" or "There's something unusual about this painting".

What are some alternatives to "something unusual"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an uncommon occurrence", "a peculiar thing", or "an odd situation".

Is "something unusual" formal or informal?

"Something unusual" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "something unusual" and "something unique"?

"Something unusual" implies a deviation from the norm, while "something unique" suggests that it is one of a kind. While they can overlap, "unique" emphasizes singularity, and "unusual" emphasizes deviation from what is typical.