strange order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an arrangement or sequence that is unusual or unexpected. Example: "The items on the shelf were in a strange order, making it difficult to find what I needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Living among distant connections, where what happens in Bangalore happens in Boston, we are more receptive to the idea of such a strange order in the universe.

The New Yorker

In 1967, he followed "Julian" with "Washington, D.C.," the opening volume of a sequence of novels variously known as "American Chronicles" or "Narratives of Empire," which he pursued intermittently, and in strange order, over the next three decades.

The New Yorker

Some years ago, a very enthusiastic cleaning lady took all my books out to dust them while we were away and put them back in such a strange order I've never been able to find anything since.

The Guardian - Books

Kennedy is believed to have played a role in a similarly strange order earlier this year, which called for additional briefing in a high-stakes case pitting religious liberty against contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act.

Huffington Post

The Breves causae and Argumenta are arranged in a strange order: first come the Breves causae and Argumenta for Matthew, followed by the Breves and Argumenta for Mark, then, quite oddly, come the Argumenta of both Luke and John, followed by their Breves causae.

Wikipedia

Turn your iTunes on random to shuffle all your songs into a strange order and try and guess what's being played.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"If you went into a bar and the bartender was wearing gloves on his hands, you'd probably feel a little strange ordering a drink from him".

The New York Times

"Look at what a fine and calm world we have made," Phoebe says of this strange new order, which suits some better than others.

The New York Times

In other words, the focus is not on the spiritual dimension of deterioration but on the strange new order that emerges from it.

The New York Times

Rousey's dominance gives her a particular mental advantage: it inspires her opponents to think that they have to do something spectacular, or strange, in order to beat her.

The New Yorker

The strange running order meant that he was able to warm up with the audience question-and-answer session first, and he was helped by Kay Burley, the presenter, who might have been told to intervene more after a rather flat audience session with Cameron.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of events or steps, use "strange order" to convey that the sequence is unexpected or illogical. For example, 'The presentation followed a "strange order", starting with the conclusion and then the introduction.'

Common error

Avoid using "strange order" when you simply mean 'disorganized'. "Strange order" implies an intentional or curious arrangement, not just a lack of organization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange order" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "order". It describes a state or manner of arrangement that deviates from the norm, indicating something unusual or unexpected. Ludwig confirms that this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange order" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe an unusual or unexpected arrangement. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It's important to use it when you want to convey that something is arranged in a way that deviates from the norm, rather than simply implying disorganization. As evidenced by examples from The New York Times, The Guardian, and Wikipedia, "strange order" is applicable in various contexts, making it a versatile tool for descriptive writing. Consider alternatives like "unusual sequence" or "odd arrangement" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual sequence

Changes the adjective to 'unusual' and noun to 'sequence', maintaining a similar sense of something out of the ordinary.

odd arrangement

Replaces 'strange' with 'odd' and 'order' with 'arrangement', suggesting an unconventional setup.

peculiar ordering

Uses 'peculiar' to convey strangeness and 'ordering' to highlight the process of arrangement.

abnormal layout

Shifts to 'abnormal' to emphasize a deviation from the norm in the 'layout'.

bizarre configuration

Employs 'bizarre' for a more extreme sense of strangeness and 'configuration' for a complex arrangement.

unconventional structure

Focuses on the lack of standard convention in the 'structure'.

irregular pattern

Highlights the 'irregular' nature of a 'pattern', suggesting a deviation from expected sequences.

anomalous series

Presents the idea of an 'anomalous' or deviating 'series'.

outlandish system

Uses 'outlandish' to intensify the peculiarity and 'system' to describe a set of rules or methods.

deviant organization

Replaces 'strange' with 'deviant' to emphasize divergence and 'order' with 'organization' to focus on how things are structured.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange order" to describe an unusual or unexpected sequence of events, items, or steps. For example, 'The books were arranged in a "strange order", defying any logical system'.

What's a good alternative to "strange order"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "unusual sequence", "odd arrangement", or "peculiar ordering" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "strange order"?

Yes, "strange order" is grammatically correct. It uses an adjective ('strange') to modify a noun ('order').

What's the difference between "strange order" and "disorder"?

"Strange order" suggests an unconventional but possibly intentional arrangement. "Disorder", on the other hand, implies a lack of any discernible arrangement or organization. Using "strange order" suggests a kind of puzzling intention, while disorder implies randomness.