strange to him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strange to him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is unfamiliar or odd to a person. Example: "The customs of the new country felt strange to him, as he was not used to such different traditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

It's strange to him".

The New York Times

The question seemed strange to him.

The New Yorker

This section of the city was strange to him.

The New Yorker

So strange to him, so familiar to me.

The New York Times - Arts

The world of the Rosebud Sioux that he encountered there was strange to him.

The New York Times

He got his share, all right, but it turned out to be Curacao, a bottled product strange to him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

"It will be strange to see him in a Manchester City shirt but I could not begrudge him".

BBC

That's strange to see him here.

The New Yorker

Schurrle added: "It's strange to see him in another shirt.

Independent

All I meant was, it's strange to see him in that.

The New York Times

"It's strange to see him because some people you know could do better.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "strange to him", ensure that the context clearly establishes who "him" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "It was strange to him", specify "The new city was strange to John".

Common error

Avoid using "strange for him" when you mean "strange to him". The preposition "to" emphasizes the personal experience or perception, whereas "for" might imply a different relationship or purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strange to him" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase modifying an implied subject, indicating that something is perceived as unfamiliar or unusual by the person referred to as "him". Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strange to him" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone finds something unfamiliar or unusual. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely used in News & Media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear who "him" refers to. Alternative phrases like "unfamiliar to him" or "odd to him" can be used to add nuance or variety to your writing. It's advisable to avoid similar expressions like "strange for him". Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and provides ample examples from reputable sources, solidifying its status as a reliable and effective expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfamiliar to him

Replaces "strange" with a more direct synonym emphasizing a lack of prior experience or knowledge.

odd to him

Substitutes "strange" with a simpler synonym suggesting something unusual or peculiar.

peculiar to him

Uses a slightly more formal synonym for "strange", indicating something distinct or particular to his perception.

foreign to him

Emphasizes the alien or external nature of something he's not accustomed to.

new to him

Highlights the novelty or recent introduction of something.

unknown to him

Indicates a lack of awareness or information about something.

mysterious to him

Suggests something enigmatic or difficult to understand.

baffling to him

Implies confusion or perplexity caused by something.

unaccountable to him

Indicates something inexplicable or without clear reason.

incomprehensible to him

Highlights a complete lack of understanding or ability to grasp something.

FAQs

What does "strange to him" mean?

The phrase "strange to him" means something appears unfamiliar, unusual, or odd from his point of view or within his experience.

How can I use "strange to him" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a new situation, feeling, or environment someone finds unfamiliar. For example, "The taste of the exotic fruit was "strange to him", as he had never tried anything like it before."

What are some alternatives to "strange to him"?

You can use alternatives like "unfamiliar to him", "odd to him", or "foreign to him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "strange for him" instead of "strange to him"?

While "strange for him" might be understandable in some contexts, ""strange to him"" is generally more accurate when describing a personal experience of something unfamiliar or unusual.