strange person

USAGE SUMMARY

"strange person" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is unusual in some way or behaving in a peculiar manner. For example: "The strange person in the corner had been silently watching us for over an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is she a particularly strange person?

The New York Times

By definition, you're a strange person".

The Guardian - Music

Well, you know, I became a strange novelist, if not simply a strange person outright.

The Guardian - Books

Then a strange person comes, takes the clockwork sparrow as well as shooting the nasty boy!

The Guardian

"I would have asked why the school didn't check a strange person entering the compound".

The New York Times

The protagonist keeps on walking — "strange person probably condemned to mourn forever the inexplicable Penultimate".

The New Yorker

"And I don't have justifications for it other than that I'm a strange person".

The New York Times - Books

"I think anybody who doesn't think it is a good thing is a very strange person".

The New York Times

But I'd met him several times and he was a very strange person.

The Guardian - Film

"She was a very strange person, very standoffish, extraordinarily shy," an American diplomat said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It isn't the strange, person-shaped, life-size smudge-stains that the vanished dead leave behind on floors and walls and the ground.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange person" to describe someone whose behavior or appearance deviates noticeably from the norm. Be mindful of the context and avoid using it in a derogatory way.

Common error

Avoid using "strange person" in highly formal writing; opt for more neutral terms like "unconventional individual" or "unusual character" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange person" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "strange" modifies the noun "person". It serves to describe or categorize an individual based on perceived unusual or peculiar attributes. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange person" is a commonly used expression to describe someone perceived as unusual or peculiar, confirmed by Ludwig as grammatically correct. While versatile across various contexts, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and potential connotations. More formal alternatives like "unconventional individual" may be more appropriate in certain settings. Ludwig's examples highlight its prevalence in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, suggesting its wide applicability but reminding us to use it judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

odd individual

Replaces "strange" with "odd", emphasizing the peculiarity of the person.

peculiar character

Uses "peculiar" and "character" to highlight the distinctiveness of the person.

unconventional person

Focuses on the person's deviation from established norms.

unusual individual

Similar to "odd individual" but with a slightly more formal tone.

eccentric character

Emphasizes the person's unique and sometimes quirky traits.

bizarre individual

Highlights the person's strangeness with a stronger emphasis on the unusual.

unorthodox person

Similar to "unconventional person", focusing on deviation from accepted practices.

weirdo

An informal and often derogatory term for a strange person.

curious character

Suggests that the person is interesting because of their strangeness.

outlandish individual

Highlights the person's strangeness as being strikingly unconventional or bizarre.

FAQs

How to use "strange person" in a sentence?

You can use "strange person" to describe someone with unusual or peculiar traits. For example, "The strange person in the corner was wearing a hat made of tin foil".

What can I say instead of "strange person"?

You can use alternatives like "odd individual", "peculiar character", or "unconventional person" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "strange person" or "stranger person"?

"Strange person" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Stranger person" is grammatically incorrect and not idiomatic.

What's the difference between "strange person" and "eccentric character"?

"Strange person" is a general term for someone unusual, while "eccentric character" suggests someone with unique and quirky traits, often in an amusing or endearing way.