strange enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is sufficiently unusual or odd to warrant attention or consideration. Example: "Strange enough, I found the same book in two different places on the same day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strange enough?

The Guardian - Music

(As if people were not strange enough).

The New York Times - Books

Nothing about "The Reclamation" is strange enough.

The New York Times - Arts

It's strange enough to be interesting.

The Guardian - Music

But the truth is actually strange enough.

The Guardian - Sport

As if being a priest weren't strange enough already.

The New Yorker

It was just strange enough to be a good idea.

The New York Times

He said: The fifth change of recommendation is strange enough.

The Guardian - Business

Things were strange enough when New Yorkers used ordinary cellphones.

The New York Times

That's strange enough, without considering what his "curation" would entail.

The Guardian - Music

The situation was strange enough before she got sick.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange enough" to introduce an element of surprise or mild shock, setting the stage for further explanation or intrigue. For example, "Strange enough, the key was not where I left it."

Common error

Avoid using "strange enough" excessively in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise terms like "anomalous" or "unusual" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival modifier. "Strange enough" primarily functions to qualify a noun or situation, indicating a level of peculiarity or oddity that warrants attention. Ludwig's examples show this in contexts ranging from describing events to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strange enough" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is sufficiently unusual or odd. It commonly appears in news and media contexts, serving to highlight surprising or unexpected elements and pique the audience's interest. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While it enjoys broad applicability, avoid overuse in highly formal settings, opting instead for more precise synonyms to maintain the tone. The phrase's versatility makes it a valuable tool for adding nuance and emphasis to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd enough

Replaces "strange" with a synonym, suggesting a similar level of peculiarity.

peculiar enough

Substitutes "strange" with "peculiar", indicating a slightly more formal tone.

unusual enough

Uses "unusual" instead of "strange", conveying a sense of deviation from the norm.

bizarre enough

Emphasizes the oddness with "bizarre", indicating a more extreme level of strangeness.

weird enough

Replaces "strange" with "weird", offering a more informal and colloquial alternative.

curious enough

Suggests a sense of intrigue rather than mere strangeness.

remarkable enough

Highlights the noteworthiness of the strangeness.

anomalous enough

More formal and scientific, indicating a deviation from the standard.

atypical enough

Similar to "anomalous", emphasizing the lack of typicality.

outlandish enough

Suggests a wild or bizarre strangeness.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange enough" to express that something is sufficiently odd or unusual. For example: "The situation was "strange enough" before she got sick."

What are some alternatives to saying "strange enough"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "odd enough", "unusual enough", or "peculiar enough".

Is it grammatically correct to say "strange enough"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase functions as an adjective modified by an adverb, indicating a sufficient degree of strangeness.

What's the difference between "strange enough" and "oddly enough"?

"Strange enough" describes the quality of being strange to a sufficient degree, while "oddly enough" is an adverbial phrase that introduces a statement that is surprising or coincidental.