strange price

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange price" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a price that is unusual or unexpected, often implying that it is either too high or too low compared to what is typical. Example: "I was surprised to see the strange price on the vintage record; it was much lower than I anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But strange price movements have begun to provoke questions.

The Economist

When British regulators noticed strange price movements in a range of shares on the London Stock Exchange, they tracked them to a Canadian firm issuing thousands of computerized orders allegedly designed to mislead other investors.

The New York Times

The Apple-1 computer was built and sold by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Apple's co-founders, in 1976 for $666.66 - the strange price was put into effect because Mr. Wozniak liked repetitive numbers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

During her adventures in "Through the Looking-Glass," Alice met a sheep who was a shopkeeper with a strange pricing structure for eggs: "Then two are cheaper than one?" Alice said in a surprised tone.

The New York Times - Arts

That can lead to trades being executed at very strange prices if there is a failure in liquidity in the markets.

Forbes

The strange pricing left consumers scratching their heads, and once Amazon introduced the same tracks without DRM in high-bitrate MP3 form, Apple had to match the price.

TechCrunch

One-way plane tickets can have strange pricing depending on the airline, so use several ticket-finder websites to avoid getting charged four times as much as you should.

WikiHow

Given how strange this pricing scheme is, we asked Microsoft for clarification, and a spokesperson did confirm that this is indeed what's happening.

TechCrunch

It's strange though – the price of oil is going down and the price of petrol is going up [in Russia].

The Guardian

"It's not that Starbucks' prices are strange, it's that our prices are too low in Italy.

The Guardian

Mr Carmichael told the same programme it would be a "very strange coincidence" for prices to have increased by 5p in the week leading up to the discount being introduced.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a "strange price", be specific about what makes it unusual. Is it too high, too low, inconsistent with market values, or based on a peculiar calculation?

Common error

While "strange price" is understandable, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Instead, opt for more precise alternatives like "unusually high price" or "surprisingly low cost" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange price" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "strange" modifies the noun "price". It describes a price that deviates from what is considered normal or expected. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strange price" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a price considered unusual or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms this, although it also suggests the frequency of this expression is uncommon. While its use is generally acceptable, a more precise and formal alternative might be preferable in certain professional contexts. The phrase appears most commonly in news and media, indicating its suitability for general audiences. When using "strange price", ensure you clarify what makes it so peculiar to provide context and enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual price

Replaces "strange" with a synonym that highlights the atypical nature of the price.

odd price

Uses a more informal synonym for "strange", suggesting something peculiar about the price.

peculiar price

Emphasizes the odd or eccentric quality of the price.

unexpected price

Focuses on the surprise element associated with the price.

surprising price

Highlights the element of astonishment caused by the price.

atypical price

Formally conveys that the price deviates from the norm.

uncommon price

Indicates that such a price is not frequently encountered.

abnormal price

Suggests that the price is outside the usual range or standard.

curious price

Highlights an inquisitive or questionable aspect of the price.

remarkable price

Emphasizes that the price is worthy of attention or notice.

FAQs

What does "strange price" mean?

A "strange price" refers to a price that is unusual, unexpected, or difficult to understand based on typical market conditions or expectations.

What can I say instead of "strange price"?

You can use alternatives like "unusual price", "odd price", or "unexpected price" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "strange price" in formal writing?

While understandable, "strange price" might be too informal for certain formal contexts. Consider using more precise alternatives like "anomalous pricing" or "unusually high cost".

How can I effectively describe a "strange price" in my writing?

Provide context to explain why the price is considered "strange". Compare it to typical market rates, explain any unusual factors influencing it, or highlight any inconsistencies or illogical aspects.