strange meeting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange meeting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unusual or unexpected encounter, often with a sense of intrigue or peculiarity. Example: "The two old friends had a strange meeting in the middle of the bustling city, where they hadn't seen each other in years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

What a strange meeting!

The New Yorker

The final poem, "Strange Meeting", reunites enemies in death.

Independent

"It was a little bit strange meeting them," he said.

The New York Times

But in the opera that sweet, strange meeting is replaced by a comically hypermasculine wrestling match.

The New York Times - Arts

More nuanced is "The Strange Meeting," in which the brown pile turns porous and is flecked with orange, perhaps gems.

The New York Times - Arts

So, I went to my local hospital – it was a very strange meeting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But it could mean some strange meetings.

The Guardian

There are monologues and desperate dialogues, strange meetings and stranger partings.

The Guardian - Books

What Marten says has an unassailable logic that's all her own, and is a perfect equivalent of the things she makes, with their strange meetings and odd conjunctions, her care for materials and construction, her tightly controlled moments of random disorder.

The Guardian - Arts

Webster Hall will be available for bookings seven nights a week, he said, although its late-night dancing on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays means that any other concerts will have to end by 11 30 p.m., resulting in strange meetings of rock and dance fans on their way in and out, already a common occurrence there.

The New York Times - Arts

Then there are the rumored strange meetings between Yahoo! executives and CNet.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange meeting" to subtly introduce a sense of mystery or intrigue in your narrative. It suggests that something is not quite ordinary about the encounter.

Common error

Avoid using "strange meeting" simply as a placeholder. Ensure the narrative develops the reasons why the meeting is considered strange, providing specific details and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange meeting" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "meeting". This creates a description of a specific type of encounter. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strange meeting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an unusual or peculiar encounter. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in various contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media, where it serves to introduce an element of intrigue or mystery. While versatile, it's important to ensure the narrative effectively conveys the reasons behind the meeting's strangeness. Alternatives like "unusual encounter" or "odd rendezvous" can be used for slightly different nuances. Whether formal or informal, the key is to provide enough context for the reader to understand why the meeting is considered out of the ordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual encounter

Focuses on the atypical nature of the meeting.

odd rendezvous

Emphasizes the peculiarity and planned nature of the meeting.

peculiar gathering

Highlights the strangeness of the assembly or group.

bizarre get-together

Stresses the outlandish and informal nature of the meeting.

curious encounter

Underlines the intriguing and questioning aspect of the meeting.

unexpected conference

Highlights the surprise element of a more formal meeting.

chance meeting with a twist

Emphasizes the unplanned nature with an added element of the unexpected.

serendipitous yet odd encounter

Highlights the fortunate discovery aspect mixed with something peculiar.

unforeseen and peculiar appointment

Emphasizes the scheduled nature of the meeting but highlights the surprise.

fortuitous and strange encounter

Underscores the accidental, yet odd, nature of the meeting.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange meeting" to describe an encounter that is unusual, unexpected, or peculiar. For example, "They had a "strange meeting" at the train station, recognizing each other from a dream."

What are some alternatives to "strange meeting"?

Alternatives include "unusual encounter", "odd rendezvous", or "peculiar gathering", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "strange meeting" and an "unexpected meeting"?

Yes, a ""strange meeting"" implies something peculiar or mysterious about the encounter, while an "unexpected meeting" simply means the meeting was not planned or anticipated.

Can "strange meeting" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "strange meeting" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing events or situations with an element of mystery or the bizarre. However, consider the context and whether a more formal alternative like ""unusual encounter"" might be more appropriate.