sort of strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sort of strange" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a mild or ambiguous sense of strangeness or oddity about something. Example: "The weather today is sort of strange; it feels like summer in the middle of winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It's sort of strange.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Then a sort of strange thing happened.

The New York Times

"He looked at me sort of strange".

The New York Times

All of this is, lexicographers say, sort of strange.

The New York Times

It was some sort of strange benefit event.

The Guardian - Music

"That's how they have this sort of strange soft-light quality.

The New York Times

Whereas with Tony, in some sort of strange way, it's inspired him.

The New Yorker

Depending on your belief system you're either erased or you're wearing some sort of strange crown.

The Guardian - Film

"It was like some sort of strange tornado came and wiped everything out".

The New York Times

"They looked at the movie as some sort of strange creature, [intrigued] to see if we could walk or not".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

At Fox Sports, Greg Couch offers this sort-of-strange-but-possibly-quite-true observation: "McNabb is done.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sort of strange" to express a mild or understated sense of something being odd, unusual, or peculiar. It's ideal when you don't want to sound too judgmental or definitive.

Common error

Avoid using "sort of strange" too frequently in your writing, as it can make your language sound vague or indecisive. Opt for more precise and descriptive alternatives when possible to add clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sort of strange" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the adjective "strange". It expresses a degree of uncertainty or understatement about the perceived strangeness, as Ludwig examples show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sort of strange" is a commonly used adverbial phrase to express that something is mildly unusual or peculiar. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. While acceptable, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider more precise alternatives like "somewhat odd" or "a bit peculiar" for greater clarity. Understanding its function and purpose can help you utilize it effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat odd

More formal alternative, replacing "sort of" with "somewhat".

kind of odd

Slightly more informal alternative, using "kind of" instead of "sort of".

a bit peculiar

Emphasizes the unusual nature, using "peculiar" for strange.

slightly unusual

More direct and less colloquial, substituting "strange" with "unusual".

rather curious

Emphasizes inquisitiveness about the strangeness.

a little weird

More informal and contemporary.

somewhat atypical

More formal and clinical.

mildly eccentric

Suggests a charming strangeness.

unusually different

Highlights the deviation from the norm.

curiously different

Emphasizes the intriguing nature of the difference.

FAQs

How can I use "sort of strange" in a sentence?

You can use "sort of strange" to describe something that is mildly odd or unusual. For example: "The weather today is "sort of strange"; it feels like summer in the middle of winter."

What can I say instead of "sort of strange"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat odd", "kind of unusual", or "a bit peculiar" depending on the context.

Is "sort of strange" formal or informal?

"Sort of strange" is generally considered informal. For more formal writing, consider using alternatives like "somewhat odd" or "slightly unusual".

What's the difference between "sort of strange" and "very strange"?

"Sort of strange" indicates a mild degree of strangeness, while "very strange" implies a much stronger or more pronounced level of oddity. "Sort of strange" suggests something is slightly out of the ordinary, while "very strange" suggests something is significantly unusual or bizarre.