strange characters

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange characters" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe unusual or unfamiliar symbols, letters, or figures in various contexts, such as writing, coding, or art. Example: "The document was filled with strange characters that made it impossible to read."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Tech

Wiki

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The retinue of strange characters and eerie settings is unforgettable.

The Guardian - Film

I've always liked strange characters and Lewis Carroll's characters are among the strangest creatures in literature.

Independent

There's a lot of things that kind of work narratively into the disconnection of these strange characters.

The New York Times

There's a lot of suspense too, and some strange characters along the way.

The Guardian

You wouldn't expect Eureka to produce too may of these strange characters".

The New York Times

Surreal Encounters The collectors who supported surrealism are remembered in an exhibition full of strange characters and stranger art.

The Guardian - Arts

Critics praised his spare, stylish, often darkly comic prose; hurtling plots; and deliciously strange characters, among them a gasbag-like flying octopus.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He was a strange character.

The New York Times

"I think he's a strange character.

The New York Times

There is a strange character in Gore..

The New Yorker

I loved a strange character called Grug.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing fictional worlds, use "strange characters" to create a sense of wonder and intrigue. This can immediately signal to the reader that the setting is unusual or fantastical.

Common error

Avoid having characters explicitly label each other as "strange characters" in dialogue, as it can sound unnatural. Instead, show their strangeness through their actions, speech, and interactions with others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange characters" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "characters". It is used to describe individuals who are perceived as unusual, peculiar, or unfamiliar, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Arts

17%

Books

8%

Less common in

Tech

7%

Wiki

6%

Travel

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strange characters" is a commonly used phrase to describe individuals who are perceived as unusual or peculiar. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, especially in news, arts, and book reviews. While generally neutral in tone, its suitability depends on the formality of the writing, with more formal contexts potentially favoring alternatives. The phrase serves to highlight uniqueness or express unfamiliarity. By understanding its nuances and exploring alternatives, writers can effectively convey the essence of "strange characters" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual individuals

Replaces "strange" with a more neutral term, focusing on the uncommon nature of the individuals.

peculiar personalities

Shifts the focus to the personalities of the individuals, highlighting their odd traits.

odd figures

Uses a more informal term ("odd") to describe the individuals, suggesting a less serious tone.

eccentric people

Emphasizes the unconventional and slightly quirky nature of the individuals.

bizarre personalities

Highlights the extreme strangeness or outlandishness of the individuals' personalities.

unconventional sorts

Uses a more general term ("sorts") to refer to the individuals, emphasizing their departure from the norm.

remarkable figures

Focuses on the noteworthiness or distinctiveness of the individuals, rather than their strangeness.

curious types

Uses a more inquisitive term ("curious") to describe the individuals, suggesting an interest in their unusual qualities.

atypical individuals

Emphasizes the non-standard or non-conforming nature of the individuals.

offbeat personalities

Highlights the unconventional and quirky nature of the individuals' personalities.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange characters" to describe unusual or peculiar individuals in various contexts. For instance, "The novel is populated by "strange characters" with bizarre habits".

What are some alternatives to "strange characters"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "unusual individuals", "peculiar personalities", or "odd figures".

Is it appropriate to use "strange characters" in formal writing?

While "strange characters" is generally acceptable, consider the tone of your writing. In formal contexts, more neutral alternatives like "unconventional individuals" or "atypical individuals" might be more suitable.

What distinguishes "strange characters" from "eccentric people"?

While both terms describe unusual individuals, "strange characters" can imply a sense of mystery or unfamiliarity, while "eccentric people" often suggests a more whimsical or quirky nature.