strange assertion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange assertion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a statement or claim that seems unusual or difficult to believe. Example: "His strange assertion that the earth is flat sparked a heated debate among the scientists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This strange assertion was posted on the question-and-answer site Quora by Lidia Stanton, a psychologist and dyslexia expert at the University of Leicester.

Independent

(Bratton, who is now the Los Angeles police chief, told me he found that "a very strange assertion," since at the time of his departure the decline in the crime rate was accelerating).

The New Yorker

On the face of it, it seems a strange assertion, given the global financial mess that is sure to dominate the next president's first year.After all, that financial panic shows obvious signs of spreading into the real economy, as the parlous state of Detroit's car manufacturers makes clear (see article).

The Economist

Mr. Mukasey should be asked about some troubling statements that he has made in his writings, including his strange assertion that the structure of the Constitution means that the government "should receive from its citizens the benefit of the doubt," something it is doubtful the Founders believed.

The New York Times

It is being said that the new entrance must be "welcoming," a strange assertion from an institution that came to prominence despite an entrance -- designed by Marcel Breuer -- that must surely be one of the most forbidding anywhere: a dark, narrow bridge across a deep trench under a looming overhang.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

His belief in what he calls "the primacy of foreign policy" leads Simms into some very strange assertions indeed.

The Guardian - Books

Rarely have I read an interpretation as strange as Graham Fuller's assertion that "Unforgiven" may "certainly be construed as a justification of necessary violence" ["Sending Out a Search Party for the Western," March 5].

The New York Times

Strange to say, however, such assertions nearly always come from people who claim to believe that free-market economies are wonderfully flexible and innovative, that they can easily transcend any constraints imposed by the world's limited resources of crude oil, arable land or fresh water.

The New York Times

Regarding stability, we know that the smallness of the delay (1.13) is necessary and sufficient for boundedness of all solutions to (1.7) with constant coefficient p ( t ) ≡ p > 0. It seems strange even to hope that assertions on nonoscillation and exponential stability can be achieved in the cases of non-tending to zero coefficients and delays.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Nothing overbearing, just odd, ineffably creepy lines amid the crunching guitars and assertions that life was a gas: "All schools are strange", "I danced myself into the tomb", "It's a shame I'm like me".

The Guardian - Music

"There are few cases in the history of the court system that have a more significant assertion of authority by the government," said Mr. Turley, a civil libertarian who acknowledged being strange bedfellows with the conservative theorists behind the lawsuit.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange assertion" when you want to express that a claim or statement is surprising, unusual, or difficult to accept without further evidence or explanation.

Common error

While "strange assertion" is acceptable, avoid overuse in highly formal writing. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "unconventional claim" or "questionable allegation" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange assertion" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "assertion". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase identifies a statement characterized by its unusual or surprising nature.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strange assertion" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a claim or statement that is unusual or surprising. According to Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in written English when you want to express skepticism or disbelief. While primarily found in news and media contexts, more formal settings may benefit from more nuanced alternatives. Its frequency is rare, so use it judiciously to maintain impact and clarity. The phrase effectively highlights the questionable nature of a statement, prompting further examination or discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd claim

Replaces "assertion" with "claim", emphasizing the questionable nature of the statement.

peculiar statement

Uses "peculiar" to describe the statement, suggesting it's unusual or eccentric.

unusual declaration

Substitutes "assertion" with "declaration", underscoring the formality of the statement while maintaining its strangeness.

bizarre contention

Employs "bizarre" to amplify the strangeness and "contention" to suggest a disputed point.

questionable allegation

Focuses on the doubtful aspect of the assertion, implying it might be unfounded.

dubious proposition

Highlights the uncertainty and potential falsity of the assertion.

implausible argument

Suggests the assertion is not believable or convincing.

far-fetched idea

Implies the assertion is unrealistic and unlikely to be true.

outlandish statement

Conveys the assertion is strikingly unconventional or bizarre.

unconventional claim

Highlights the deviation from established norms in the assertion.

FAQs

What does "strange assertion" mean?

The phrase "strange assertion" refers to a statement or claim that is unusual, surprising, or difficult to believe. It implies that the assertion deviates from what is considered normal or expected.

How can I use "strange assertion" in a sentence?

You can use "strange assertion" to describe a claim that you find odd or questionable. For example: "His "strange assertion" that the earth is flat sparked a debate."

What are some alternatives to "strange assertion"?

Some alternatives to "strange assertion" include "odd claim", "peculiar statement", or "unusual declaration". The best choice depends on the specific context and the degree of surprise or disbelief you want to convey.

Is "strange assertion" formal or informal?

"Strange assertion" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more nuanced alternative like "unconventional claim" or "questionable allegation".