still stranger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still stranger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is even more unusual or unexpected than what has already been mentioned. Example: "The first event was odd, but the second was still stranger, leaving everyone in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The next day was still stranger.

Independent

After three months, Smart's ordeal took a still stranger turn.

The New Yorker

The later outcome was still stranger, and even more unsatisfactory.

The New York Times

Still, stranger things have happened in the Bronx.

The Guardian - Sport

In fact, it's still stranger than most things I've heard since.

The Guardian - Music

The author pauses in the story of his adventures on a strange planet for a brief study of its still stranger people.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We are still strangers to each other".

The New York Times

They bring more guests — some still strangers — to the table.

The New York Times - Arts

They are still strangers — but not, the F.B.I. is hoping, to everybody.

The New Yorker

She hadn't viewed them since December 14th, when the people in the pictures were still strangers.

The New Yorker

I am washed, dressed and put to bed by carers who are, after all, still strangers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "still stranger" to effectively build suspense or emphasize a turning point in a narrative where events take an unexpected turn. For example: "The initial discovery was unusual, but what followed was "still stranger", leaving the detectives baffled."

Common error

Avoid using "still stranger" in highly formal or academic writing, as it may sound slightly informal. Opt for more formal alternatives such as "furthermore unusual" or "increasingly peculiar" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still stranger" functions as an intensifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun, highlighting an increase in the degree of strangeness or oddity. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it serves to emphasize that something is more unusual than what has already been described.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "still stranger" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes a situation or event becoming increasingly odd or unusual. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is perfectly usable in written English. While "still stranger" is acceptable in a wide range of contexts, it may be preferable to choose a more formal alternative in academic or business writing. Common alternatives include "even more peculiar" or "odder still". Primarily found in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively builds suspense and emphasizes unexpected turns in narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odder still

Swaps the order of words to emphasize strangeness.

remarkably stranger

Adds "remarkably" to emphasize the extent of the strangeness.

even more peculiar

Replaces "stranger" with "peculiar", emphasizing oddity.

decidedly more odd

Highlights the growing oddness in a decisive manner.

increasingly bizarre

Uses "bizarre" to highlight the growing strangeness.

progressively weirder

Employs "weirder" to indicate a gradual increase in strangeness.

more unusual

Uses a more general term for strangeness.

yet more extraordinary

Emphasizes the exceptional nature of the strangeness.

an even greater anomaly

Replaces "stranger" with "anomaly", highlighting deviation from the norm.

more curious

Substitutes "curious" for "stranger", softening the tone.

FAQs

How can I use "still stranger" in a sentence?

You can use "still stranger" to describe a situation or event that is even more unusual than something already mentioned. For example, "The first incident was odd, but the second was "still stranger".".

What are some alternatives to "still stranger"?

Alternatives include "even more peculiar", "odder still", or "increasingly bizarre", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "still stranger" grammatically correct?

Yes, "still stranger" is grammatically correct. "Still" modifies the adjective "stranger", indicating a comparative degree of strangeness.

What is the difference between "still stranger" and "even stranger"?

"Still stranger" and "even stranger" are largely interchangeable. Both indicate that something is more strange than what preceded it. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.