strange environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to any unfamiliar or unusual physical or social surroundings. For example, "I felt out of place in the strange environment of the corporate office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It was a strange environment.

The Guardian

Because domestic cats are in a strange environment, natural instincts can manifest in odd ways.

The New York Times - Science

"Cats don't adapt just like that when they go into a strange environment," Ms. Austin says.

The New York Times - Style

LA's strange environment and contradictions have also shaped the sound of my recent music.

The Guardian - Opinion

Anyone going into a strange environment is going to feel a bit weird.

The Guardian

As everyone says, Jennifer is about as unaffected as a person can be in that strange environment".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Miami clubs, the posh ones, are strange environments.

The Guardian - Travel

"They also have a very strong sense of territory and become easily stressed in strange environments.

Independent

In this case, cats were placed in strange environments in the form of plain rooms.

Independent

He imagines people donning Oculus headsets to dip into quick social interactions or strange environments.

MIT Technology Review

Why do expeditions need a staff doctor? A. Because most involve taking people into strange environments.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "strange environment", provide specific details that make it unusual. Use sensory language to convey the experience to the reader.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the word "strange". Replace it with more descriptive adjectives like "surreal", "uncanny", or "otherworldly" to create a more vivid image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange environment" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the object of a verb or preposition, describing a setting that is perceived as unusual or unfamiliar. As shown in the examples provided by Ludwig, it modifies the understanding of a specific location or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange environment" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict unusual or unfamiliar settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is descriptive, and it frequently appears in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. When using this phrase, consider enhancing its impact by including specific, sensory details to convey the unique qualities of the described environment. Alternatives such as "unfamiliar surroundings" or "unconventional setting" can offer slightly different nuances, but "strange environment" remains a versatile and widely understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfamiliar surroundings

Focuses on the lack of familiarity of the place.

unconventional setting

Highlights the departure from typical or traditional environments.

peculiar milieu

Emphasizes the odd or unusual social and cultural aspects of the environment.

atypical backdrop

Stresses the uncommon or non-standard visual aspects of the environment.

abnormal conditions

Focuses on the deviation from normal or expected circumstances within the environment.

bizarre location

Highlights the strangeness and outlandish nature of the environment's location.

anomalous situation

Highlights the irregularity and deviation from the norm within the environment.

extraordinary context

Emphasizes the remarkable and exceptional nature of the environment's context.

unique atmosphere

Focuses on the distinctive and unparalleled ambiance of the environment.

uncommon place

Highlights the rarity and infrequency of encountering such an environment.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange environment" to describe any unfamiliar or unusual setting. For example, "The protagonist found himself in the "strange environment" of the abandoned mansion."

What are some alternatives to "strange environment"?

Alternatives include "unfamiliar surroundings", "unconventional setting", or "peculiar milieu", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "strange environment" or "unusual environment"?

"Strange environment" and "unusual environment" are largely interchangeable. The best choice depends on the context and the specific shade of meaning you want to emphasize. "Strange" suggests something more alien or unsettling, while "unusual" simply means not common.

What makes an environment "strange"?

An environment can be considered "strange" due to various factors, such as its unfamiliarity, unusual characteristics, or the odd behavior of people or things within it. It evokes a sense of bewilderment and may be unpredictable.