strange timing

USAGE SUMMARY

This is a perfectly correct phrase to use in written English.
It typically means that the timing of something was unexpected or seemed a bit off. For example: "I thought it was strange timing when he asked to leave the meeting just as we were discussing the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It's strange timing.

The New Yorker

It's been strange timing for many, many things.

The New York Times

"I just thought it was quite strange timing to be honest," said Meadows, who took bronze in the Berlin event.

The Guardian - Sport

"So much about it seems odd — from the expanding cast of characters, to the strange timing — so soon after the election, and right before the Benghazi hearings….

The New Yorker

"The incursion began immediately after a recent speech by Hun Sen demanding an end to illegal land grabbing, so it was certainly strange timing," Macgregor said.

The Guardian

What might look like strange timing on the part of David Conn's publishers – a book about last year's Premier League champions, brought out now – is really a reflection of the 365-days-a-year modern game.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"I thought the timing was a little ironic but these things have a habit of leaking out at strange times," added Wray.

BBC

It was a strange time.

DMM Disease Models and Mechanisms

Bowie had the strange, distorted timing of a clown; the mesmerising, time-travelling charisma of a crazily ambitious pop star; and the optimistic mind of a surrealist who believes in making the most of reality, however disappointing and frustrating it can be.

The Guardian - Books

Love is strange, and its timing is terrible.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This building is specifically designed to serve customers who want extra infrastructure, so in a strange way, the timing worked out," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strange timing", consider clarifying why the timing seems unusual. Providing context strengthens your point and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "strange timing" without explaining why it seems unusual. Provide specific details or circumstances that make the timing noteworthy. For example, instead of saying "It was strange timing", try "It was strange timing that the announcement came just days before the election."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange timing" typically functions as a noun phrase. It often acts as a subject complement or an appositive, describing or elaborating on a particular situation or event. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange timing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression, primarily within the context of News & Media. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase to use in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show it is used to denote that the timing of an event is unexpected, odd, or suspicious. While not exceedingly common, it's a useful phrase to highlight the peculiar nature of when something happens, prompting the reader to question the circumstances surrounding it. Be sure to provide context to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peculiar timing

Replaces "strange" with "peculiar", indicating oddness or unusualness.

oddly timed

Changes the structure to an adverb and adjective, emphasizing the unusual nature of the timing.

inopportune moment

Shifts focus to the unsuitability of the time, rather than just its strangeness.

unfortunate timing

Highlights the negative consequences associated with the specific time.

awkward timing

Suggests the timing creates discomfort or difficulty.

coincidental timing

Emphasizes the accidental nature of events occurring at the same time.

ironic timing

Highlights the contrast between what is expected and what actually occurs.

serendipitous timing

Suggests the timing led to a fortunate or beneficial outcome.

suspicious timing

Implies deliberate manipulation or hidden motives behind the time of the event.

poorly timed

Indicates the timing was ineffective or detrimental.

FAQs

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

You can use "strange timing" to describe an event that occurs at an unexpected or inappropriate moment. For instance, "The company's restructuring announcement had a "strange timing" given the recent positive earnings report."

What's a more formal way to say "strange timing"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "peculiar timing" or "inopportune moment" to maintain a professional tone.

What does "strange timing" imply?

"Strange timing" often implies a sense of surprise, suspicion, or irony about when something occurred. It suggests that the event's occurrence at that particular moment was noteworthy or unusual.

Is there a difference between "strange timing" and "coincidental timing"?

While both phrases refer to events occurring at the same time, "strange timing" suggests that there's something noteworthy or odd about the concurrence. "Coincidental timing", on the other hand, simply implies that the events happened together by chance.