strange conduct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange conduct" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe behavior or actions that are unusual or unexpected. Example: The teacher was taken aback by the student's strange conduct during class, as he sat in complete silence and refused to participate in any of the activities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But their initial sympathy turns too easily, and not entirely convincingly, into a shocked, insensitive exasperation at her strange conduct.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Master is lush and strange, conducted at a leisurely pace and yet with barely an ounce of fat on its bones.

The Guardian - Film

It would be strange to conduct a study on identity and interaction and not interact with people, after all.

The Guardian

In November, the military sent a CP-140 aircraft over the Fury and Hecla Strait the location of the strange sound to conduct an acoustic analysis.

Vice

In the interview, he expressed regret five times in less than five minutes, capping three turbulent days of some of the strangest diplomacy conducted between the allies.

The New York Times

Giuseppe Sinopoli seemed a strange choice to conduct the "Ring".

The New York Times - Arts

That sounds appealing, but would be a strange way to conduct regulatory policy: repealing a rule's $1m in costs might lose the $100m it brings in benefits.

The Economist

And so we seek the evidence of minor maladjustment — heavy breathing, strange mustaches, leering conduct onstage at the Oscars — to predict a deeper disconnection.

The New Yorker

The freshman senator said preventing that kind of questioning just for trade deals is "a strange way to conduct policy".

Huffington Post

It's a strange, mournful journey, conducted by this man who feared the whales.

The Guardian - Books

The way that Spark plays out her story is unconventional: a highly controlled, beautifully conducted, strange experiment.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange conduct" when you want to emphasize that someone's behavior is not only unusual but also potentially unsettling or inappropriate in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "strange conduct" simply to describe quirky habits. It implies a level of inappropriateness or disturbance beyond simple eccentricity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange conduct" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "conduct". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in describing unusual or inappropriate behavior.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange conduct" effectively communicates that someone's actions are not just odd but potentially concerning or inappropriate. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appears in credible sources, most commonly in news and media. While not extremely frequent, using "strange conduct" adds a layer of seriousness to descriptions of unusual behavior. When using it, remember that you are implying more than just quirkiness; it suggests something unsettling or unsuitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd behavior

Replaces "conduct" with "behavior", a synonym that focuses on actions and mannerisms.

unusual actions

Substitutes both words with synonyms, highlighting the atypical nature of the deeds.

peculiar behavior

Uses a more formal synonym for "strange" to emphasize the oddness of the behavior.

bizarre actions

Highlights the actions as strikingly out of the ordinary.

unconventional conduct

Focuses on the departure from established customs or norms of behavior.

anomalous actions

Employs a technical term to describe the actions as deviating from the norm.

deviant behavior

Suggests that the actions diverge from accepted standards or norms.

inappropriate behavior

Shifts the focus from oddness to unsuitability or unacceptability of actions.

improper actions

Highlights that the actions break standards or regulations.

questionable behavior

The behaviour raises doubts, and might be considered morally wrong.

FAQs

How can I describe behavior that is slightly unusual without using "strange conduct"?

You can use "unconventional behavior" or "quirky habits" to describe behavior that is just unusual without implying inappropriateness.

Is "strange conduct" always negative in connotation?

Yes, "strange conduct" usually has a negative connotation, suggesting that the behavior is not only unusual but also disturbing or inappropriate. You might consider "odd behavior" if you want to be more neutral.

What's the difference between "strange conduct" and "criminal conduct"?

"Strange conduct" refers to unusual or inappropriate behavior, while "criminal conduct" refers specifically to actions that are illegal and punishable by law. The latter implies a violation of legal statutes.

Can "strange conduct" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "strange conduct" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing behavior that deviates significantly from accepted norms in a professional or academic setting. However, consider context; "unconventional conduct" might sometimes be more suitable.