strange thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange thought" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unusual or unexpected idea that comes to mind. Example: "I had a strange thought while walking in the park; what if trees could talk?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

What a strange thought.

The New York Times

That is a strange thought.

The New Yorker

It's a strange thought indeed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Strange thought, a food you literally can't give away.

The New Yorker

It's a strange thought to consider how you may look on camera when you're receiving an injection.

The New York Times

"I had a strange thought about Daddy," one sister tells another.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

As you reported it, "The doctor never asked what he thought his hallucinations meant, or whether strange thoughts were linked to experiences in his life".

The New York Times

The doctor never asked what he thought his hallucinations meant, or whether the strange thoughts were linked to experiences in his life.

The New York Times - Health

Those are my strange thoughts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Carrion is constantly stewing in his own strange thoughts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Strange thoughts do come into your mind at that point".

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strange thought" to introduce an idea that deviates from the norm or is unexpected in the given context. It can effectively set the stage for exploring unconventional perspectives or solutions.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "strange thought" when more precise descriptors could enhance clarity. Consider specifying why the thought is strange, using adjectives like 'unexpected', 'unconventional', or 'counterintuitive' for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange thought" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective 'strange' modifies the noun 'thought'. It introduces an idea or consideration that is perceived as unusual, odd, or unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is perfectly acceptable in English writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strange thought" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce an unusual or unexpected idea. As Ludwig AI points out, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, most notably in News & Media and Science, signifying its versatility. While alternatives like "peculiar idea" or "odd notion" exist, "strange thought" maintains a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences. When employing this phrase, ensure it serves as a genuine preface to an atypical concept, avoiding overuse for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unusual idea

Simply substitutes 'strange' with 'unusual', keeping the core meaning intact with a slightly different emphasis.

weird idea

Uses 'weird' as a more informal synonym for 'strange', suitable for casual contexts.

peculiar idea

Changes the noun from 'thought' to 'idea', suggesting a slightly more concrete or formed concept.

curious thought

Replaces 'strange' with 'curious', indicating interest or intrigue rather than just oddness.

odd notion

Replaces both words, 'strange' and 'thought', with synonyms that still imply something unusual but potentially less profound.

offbeat idea

Implies the idea is unconventional and quirky.

bizarre concept

Uses 'bizarre' to intensify the strangeness and 'concept' to suggest a more developed and abstract idea.

outlandish thought

Emphasizes the extreme nature of the thought, suggesting it's far-fetched or unconventional.

absurd idea

Highlights the illogical or nonsensical nature of the idea.

funny feeling

Shifts the focus from a thought to a feeling, suggesting intuition or a vague sense of something amiss.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange thought" to introduce an unexpected or unusual idea. For example, "A "strange thought" crossed my mind during the meeting: what if we completely restructured the team?"

What are some alternatives to "strange thought"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "peculiar idea", "odd notion", or "unusual idea".

Is it grammatically correct to say "strange thought"?

Yes, "strange thought" is grammatically correct. "Strange" is an adjective modifying the noun "thought".

What's the difference between "strange thought" and "weird thought"?

While both describe an unusual idea, "weird thought" tends to be more informal and suggest something bizarre or unsettling, whereas "strange thought" is more neutral and simply indicates something unexpected.