strange idea

USAGE SUMMARY

"strange idea" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an idea that is unusual or different from the norm. For example: "Her suggestion to open the store on Sunday was a strange idea, but it ended up being a huge success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

What a strange idea!

The New York Times

"Very strange idea".

The New York Times - Style

And I'm thinking, 'What a strange idea.

The Guardian

It's a strange idea: to resist in order to exist.

The New Yorker

"Then I had a very strange idea," he said.

The New Yorker

He had a strange idea that fiction wasn't really fiction.

The Guardian - Books

It was a strange idea, but, then, consciousness was strange.

The New Yorker

And for a strange idea, try App For Cats ($1 on iOS).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

The innovative -- yet entirely strange -- idea could amount to the world's first ever "Strawscraper" if it ever comes to fruition.

Huffington Post

One was Ford's latest plan a strange idea of naming all Ford models with the letter F. The other trend is the surge in name changes.

Forbes

It no longer felt like a strange idea.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange idea" to express mild surprise or disagreement with a suggestion. Ensure the context clarifies whether you find it intriguing or simply impractical.

Common error

In professional or academic writing, consider substituting "strange idea" with more precise and nuanced alternatives like "unconventional approach" or "novel hypothesis" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange idea" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "idea". It is used to describe an idea that deviates from what is considered normal, typical, or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange idea" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unusual or unexpected concept. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and general usability. It appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for a broad audience. While alternatives like "odd concept" or "peculiar notion" offer nuanced variations, "strange idea" remains a versatile and readily understood expression. When using it in formal settings, consider whether a more precise term might better suit the context. It is important to note that this phrase can often convey skepticism or surprise, adding an additional layer of meaning to your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd concept

Replaces "idea" with "concept", implying a more theoretical notion.

peculiar notion

Substitutes both words with synonyms highlighting the oddness.

unusual thought

Emphasizes the uncommon nature of the thought itself.

bizarre concept

Highlights the strangeness using a stronger adjective.

weird thought

Uses a more informal synonym for "strange".

curious idea

Indicates the idea is intriguing and unusual.

unconventional idea

Stresses the departure from established norms.

novel concept

Implies the idea is new and different.

offbeat notion

Suggests a quirky and unconventional idea.

outlandish concept

Emphasizes the far-fetched nature of the idea.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange idea" to express that a concept or suggestion seems unusual or odd. For example: "His proposal to merge the departments seemed like a "strange idea" at first, but it proved surprisingly effective."

What can I say instead of "strange idea"?

You can use alternatives like "odd concept", "peculiar notion", or "unusual thought" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "strange idea" formal or informal?

"Strange idea" is generally considered neutral in formality. While acceptable in most contexts, consider more precise or sophisticated language for highly formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between "strange idea" and "unconventional idea"?

While both suggest something is not typical, "strange idea" often implies surprise or mild skepticism, while "unconventional idea" simply highlights that the idea deviates from established norms.