strange effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unusual or unexpected attempt to achieve something, often implying that the effort is peculiar or out of the ordinary. Example: "Her strange effort to solve the puzzle involved using a completely different approach that no one else had considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Strange effort, maybe he lost sight for a split second, as he moved his hand across rather than getting his body toward the line of the ball.

The Guardian - Sport

In my month in the crowded ward, I thought I had seen it all — one pregnant woman across from me played the drums every night in a strange effort to increase her baby's intelligence.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's certainly one of the more bizarre goals that will be seen this season, but how does it compare to this selection of strange efforts?

Independent

A pause or parenthesis is required here to make it clear that the events set forth in this article are based on the B-29 series, and the 1958 follow-up, "That Was a Reporter at Wit's End," which qualifies this as another strange journalistic effort.

The New Yorker

It's a ripped-from-the-headlines moment, but it's the only topical reference in a plot that lurches from an investigation of fight-club-style brawling in Union Square Park to a strange, plausibility-stretching effort by McCoy to wield the Patriot Act.

The New York Times - Arts

How strange that such efforts to free privileged families from their obligations fell in a week when Congress imposed bankruptcy "reforms" to compel working families to repay the ever larger shares of indebtedness they've incurred through job losses or health emergencies.

The New York Times

Thereafter, Strange's strenuous efforts to rescue her take their toll, and his letters to friends begin to appear crazed.

Wikipedia

It is strange how much unwitting effort it has taken to bring us here.

The New Yorker

The Nets' lackluster effort seemed strange considering their previous loss to Sacramento, when they seemed to be sleeping off the effects of their weather-delayed travel.

The New York Times - Sports

Less well-known but with an enduring cult audience is White's own strange account of his efforts to train a goshawk in the late 1930s using only medieval methods.

The Guardian - Books

Because the groups were such strange bedfellows, their joint efforts attracted far more attention than if either had acted on its own.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strange effort", ensure the context clearly indicates what makes the effort unusual. Provide specific details to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "strange effort" simply as a synonym for "difficult effort". Ensure the effort is genuinely peculiar or unusual in its approach or outcome. If the effort is not actually strange, alternatives like "significant effort" or "considerable effort" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange effort" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "strange" modifies the noun "effort". It is used to describe an attempt or exertion that is unusual, peculiar, or out of the ordinary. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase "is correct" and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange effort" describes an attempt or endeavor that is unusual or peculiar. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, the phrase appears primarily in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Related phrases include "peculiar attempt" and "bizarre endeavor", each offering a slightly different nuance. When employing "strange effort", ensure the context clearly explains what makes the effort unusual, avoiding its overuse as a mere synonym for "difficult effort". It's a valuable phrase for adding specificity and color to your writing when accurately portraying an odd or unexpected undertaking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peculiar attempt

Emphasizes the odd or unusual nature of the attempt.

bizarre endeavor

Highlights the strangeness and ambitious nature of the undertaking.

unconventional undertaking

Focuses on the deviation from standard practices.

unusual exertion

Highlights that the effort is not typical.

odd undertaking

Highlights the strange nature of the action.

curious endeavor

Emphasizes the intriguing or questionable nature of the effort.

remarkable attempt

Highlights that the action is worthy of attention.

singular exertion

Stresses the uniqueness and exceptional character of the effort.

atypical attempt

Indicates a departure from the norm in the manner of trying.

extraordinary undertaking

Highlights that the action is far beyond what is ordinary or usual.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange effort" to describe an unusual or unexpected attempt to achieve something. For example, "Her "strange effort" to solve the problem involved a method no one had considered before."

What are some alternatives to "strange effort"?

Alternatives include "peculiar attempt", "bizarre endeavor", or "unconventional undertaking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "strange effort" grammatically correct?

Yes, "strange effort" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase for describing an unusual or unexpected attempt.

When is it appropriate to use "strange effort" instead of "great effort"?

"Strange effort" is appropriate when the effort itself is unusual or peculiar, not just when the effort is large or significant. If you mean a large effort, use "great effort"; if you mean an unusual one, use "strange effort".