that is bizarre

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that is bizarre" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about something unusual or strange. Example: "I just heard that they plan to build a roller coaster in the middle of the city. That is bizarre."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It is Blair and his potty, faith-driven, apocalyptic world view that is "bizarre".

The Guardian

Waterstones will get a cut of sales, new point-of-sale displays and – with an optimism that is bizarre – a cut of ebooks downloaded through instore Wi-Fi.

The Guardian - Books

One of the things that is bizarre about the pair's relationship is that for a long time no one at the school raises questions about Gilbert's decidedly unusual interest in the girl.

The New York Times - Books

"Reality is nothing like you see on TV," Ms. Ward said, describing the experience of serving on the jury, which agreed on a death penalty sentence, as a lonely, painful quest to decide whether to impose what she called "a measure of justice that is bizarre" — a death as a sentence for a killing.

The New York Times

"That is bizarre for me," says Weston.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That is bizarre by anyone's definition.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

There are parts that are bizarre, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Or music that's bizarre that I don't understand, like that Floating Action song ["Alpine Shadow"].

The New York Times - Arts

We're looking for work that's bizarre, authentic, subtle, outrageous, indefinable, raw, paradoxical.

The New York Times

It is governed by rules that are bizarre and appear to go against everyday experience and common sense.

The New York Times

Valuations that were bizarre have become ridiculous.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that is bizarre" to express surprise or disbelief when encountering something out of the ordinary. It is suitable for a range of contexts, from casual conversation to more formal writing.

Common error

While "that is bizarre" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in highly formal or professional settings where more sophisticated or nuanced vocabulary might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "that is unusual" or "that is unexpected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that is bizarre" primarily functions as an exclamatory statement expressing surprise, disbelief, or bemusement. Ludwig examples show this across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in reacting to unexpected or unusual information. It's a straightforward way to voice an opinion on something perceived as odd.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "that is bizarre" is a common and grammatically correct way to express surprise or disbelief. According to Ludwig, it's used frequently in News & Media and informal contexts, making it suitable for diverse situations. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian support its usage, remember to consider more formal alternatives like "that is unusual" or "that is peculiar" in professional settings. In conclusion, "that is bizarre" is a versatile expression, but context is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's odd

Replaces "bizarre" with a more understated term for something strange.

that's strange

Similar to "that's odd", but can imply a slightly stronger sense of something being out of the ordinary.

that's peculiar

Uses a more formal term than "bizarre", conveying a sense of something being unusual or eccentric.

that's weird

A more informal way of saying something is strange or unusual.

that's unusual

Focuses on the lack of commonality of something.

that's remarkable

Indicates that something is noteworthy, often in a surprising or unexpected way.

that's extraordinary

Highlights the exceptional nature of something.

that defies explanation

Indicates something is beyond understanding.

that beggars belief

Suggests that something is so outlandish that it's hard to believe.

that's mind-boggling

Highlights the overwhelming and confusing nature of something.

FAQs

How can I use "that is bizarre" in a sentence?

You can use "that is bizarre" to express surprise or disbelief about something unusual or strange. For example, "I just heard they plan to build a roller coaster in the middle of the city. That is bizarre."

What's a more formal alternative to "that is bizarre"?

If you're looking for a more formal alternative, consider using phrases like "that is unusual" or "that is peculiar". These convey a similar meaning but are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

Is it correct to say "that's bizarre" instead of "that is bizarre"?

Yes, "that's bizarre" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "that is bizarre". Both are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in most situations, although "that is bizarre" might sound slightly more formal.

When should I avoid using "that is bizarre"?

Avoid using "that is bizarre" in highly formal or sensitive situations where a more delicate or respectful tone is required. In such cases, consider using alternatives that express concern or surprise in a more nuanced way.