strangely

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'strangely' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is an adverb that describes something that is unusual or unexpected. It is typically used to express surprise, confusion, or curiosity. Example: The cat behaved strangely after eating the new brand of cat food. It meowed loudly and ran around the house in circles.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strangely, though, Juncker did not run for a parliamentary seat.

The Guardian

The imperious tone of that last sentence is the key to the strangely subtle balance of generosity and authority that has enabled Busby to make such a huge contribution to British football.

The Guardian - Sport

This is a strangely compelling argument for some: even though Bingu was clearly going off the rails towards the end of his life, the early years of his presidency had been marked by substantive economic development.

The Guardian

(Working in non-fiction, Oliver Sacks has written about how strangely memory works in his patients' brains and in his own).

The Guardian - Sport

We in Labour were also strangely quiet about properly funding the NHS.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was strangely exhilarating to see Ed Miliband with at least three parties politically to his left, the Scottish and Welsh Nationalists and the Greens, with even Nick Clegg somewhat shamelessly rediscovering the leftish Lib Dem principles he largely betrayed for his five years in office with the Tories.

The Guardian

Smiling nicely at several attractive women who seemed strangely uninterested in having sex with him, Bond shuffled his way towards the front of the taxi queue.

The Guardian - Travel

For a moment he seems strangely young and vulnerable.

The Guardian

Strangely, though, Burberry can't bring itself to confirm that Ahrendts' handover to Christopher Bailey, first announced last October, is as good as complete.

The Guardian - Business

For all the criticisms you might make of his leadership, they are all strangely paradoxical.

The Guardian - Opinion

And, strangely, this is the thing that has stayed with me about Pluscarden.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strangely" to introduce an observation that contrasts with expectations or common knowledge. It adds emphasis to the unexpected nature of the situation.

Common error

While "strangely" is generally acceptable, overuse in formal academic or scientific writing can weaken the impact. Consider more precise synonyms like "anomalously" or "unexpectedly" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "strangely" primarily functions as a modifier, altering the meaning of a verb, adjective, or another adverb by indicating something unusual or unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and common usage of "strangely" across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "strangely" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverb that introduces an element of surprise or unexpectedness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's prevalent in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While its neutral register makes it versatile, writers should be mindful of potential overuse in formal settings, opting for more precise synonyms when appropriate. Remember to use "strangely" to highlight deviations from the norm and to engage your audience with a touch of the unexpected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oddly enough

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the situation.

peculiarly

Highlights the unusual or distinctive quality.

in an unusual way

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm.

curiously

Suggests a sense of inquisitiveness or questioning.

remarkably

Highlights the unexpected or surprising nature of the event.

anomalously

Emphasizes the deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.

in a weird manner

Emphasizes a sense of bewilderment or confusion.

bizarrely

Highlights the eccentricity or outlandishness of the behavior.

unexpectedly

Stresses the lack of anticipation or predictability.

in an atypical fashion

Focuses on the non-conforming or uncharacteristic aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "strangely" in a sentence?

You can use "strangely" to describe something that is unusual or unexpected. For example, "He behaved "strangely" at the party, avoiding everyone and whispering to himself."

What are some synonyms for "strangely"?

Alternatives to "strangely" include "oddly enough", "peculiarly", or "curiously". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "strangely" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it's perfectly acceptable to begin a sentence with "strangely" to emphasize the unexpected nature of what follows. For example, "Strangely, no one seemed to notice the elephant in the room."

What is the difference between "strangely" and "ironically"?

"Strangely" indicates something unusual or unexpected, while "ironically" implies a situation that is the opposite of what one would expect, often with a humorous or sardonic twist.