strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "strange" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unusual, unexpected, or hard to explain. For example: "It was a strange sight to see a zebra running through the city streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How strange.

The New York Times

"It's very strange.

The New York Times

It also tells you the meaning of "zedded", "donds" and other strange words used by RR regulars.

The Guardian - Music

Much loved yet little read, for almost a century this strange, earnest and inconsolable novel has haunted the fringes of fiction.

The Economist

It's a documentary, ostensibly, but it's also a genre-defying film about memory and fiction and their strange, liquid relationship with the truth.

The Guardian - Film

This seems strange, given that Isabel Allende, among others, has made many references to law-making as a Chilean obsession.

The Guardian - Travel

They preach it in their music, which is a strange hybrid of beat and electric guitar Asian jazz.

The Guardian

It was only a strange error that led to the historical obsession with GDP As someone who has worked on these issues for three decades, I have observed that, sadly, most people who criticise the idea of measuring happiness are handicapped by the fact they know little about the research literature on the topic.

The Guardian

It's strange that the French live in a republic and we have a monarchy but we are far less hierarchical.

The Guardian - Film

But I went to speak to several psychiatrists before I started making the film and they told me that the person who killed her own kids was psychotic – not just depressed or angry but in a very strange and rare place, and that this did not happen to everybody.

The Guardian - Film

Watching the engrossed insect has a strange effect, though.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange" to describe something that deviates from the norm, but be mindful of the connotation. It can sometimes imply something negative or unsettling.

Common error

While "strange" is widely applicable, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using more precise synonyms like "unusual", "anomalous", or "peculiar" to maintain a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "strange" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something unusual, unfamiliar, or unexpected. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. Many examples in Ludwig demonstrate this function, such as "a strange error" or "a strange face".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "strange" is a versatile adjective used to describe things that deviate from the norm, evoking a sense of surprise, curiosity, or even unease. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, more formal synonyms might be preferred in academic or professional writing. When using "strange", consider the specific connotation you wish to convey, as it can sometimes imply something negative or unsettling. Remember that while incredibly common, overuse in formal writing can be avoided with options such as "unusual", "anomalous", or "peculiar".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peculiar

Highlights the odd or unusual nature of something.

unusual

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or common occurrence.

odd

Focuses on the irregularity or unexpectedness of something.

bizarre

Implies something is strikingly out of the ordinary and often unsettling.

weird

Suggests something is supernatural or mysterious.

curious

Emphasizes the intriguing or questioning nature of something.

anomalous

Indicates a deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.

atypical

Focuses on the non-representative or non-conforming nature of something.

remarkable

Emphasizes something worthy of attention because it is unusual or special.

extraordinary

Highlights something beyond what is ordinary or usual.

FAQs

How can I use "strange" in a sentence?

You can use "strange" to describe something that is unusual or unexpected, like "It's "strange" that he didn't call" or "That's a "strange" coincidence".

What's the difference between "strange" and "unusual"?

"Strange" and "unusual" are similar, but "strange" can sometimes imply something is unsettling or difficult to understand, while "unusual" simply means not common.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "strange"?

In very formal or technical writing, consider using more precise or academic synonyms like "anomalous" or "peculiar" instead of "strange".

What are some alternative words for "strange"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "peculiar", "odd", "uncommon", or "unfamiliar".