this is highly irregular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is highly irregular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or behavior that deviates from the norm or expected standards. Example: "The sudden change in the schedule is concerning; this is highly irregular for our organization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I've never heard of anything like this — this is highly irregular and appears to flout the rules," said Jeffrey Lubbers, a professor of administrative law at American University, of the terms of Ms. Morris's dismissal and payment.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

This was highly irregular.

Columbia University

While commercial property was returning around 18 per cent a year between 2004 and 2006, McDermott points out that this was highly irregular, adding that the recent correction was only to be expected.

Independent

"This clandestine commitment of taxpayer funds is highly irregular and objectionable, and it must end now," they wrote, pointing out that defending DOMA is futile since it violates Constitutional guarantees of equal protection.

The New York Times

The difficulty in calculating this load arises from the fact that the sea is highly irregular.

Marine Structural Design

"Garbage collection is highly irregular.

The New York Times

During persistent activity, spiking of many neurons is highly irregular.

Yale University

A "What's going on here is highly irregular," said Dennis H. Greenstein, a Manhattan co-op and condominium lawyer.

The New York Times

The normal seaway is highly irregular, with waves of different heights and lengths traveling in many directions.

Britannica

"In one sense, it is highly irregular and highly suspect," said William H. Buckman, a lawyer who has represented troopers in civil rights cases against the State Police.

The New York Times

It is highly irregular for parties other than the lead investigators formally to ascribe the cause of a crash.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is highly irregular" to express surprise or concern about a deviation from expected norms or procedures in formal settings, such as legal or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "this is highly irregular" in casual conversations. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "that's weird" or "that's unusual" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is highly irregular" functions as an evaluative statement, typically used to express concern or disapproval regarding a deviation from established norms or procedures. As Ludwig indicates, it is used to describe something that flouts the rules or expectations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is highly irregular" is used to express concern or disapproval when something deviates significantly from established norms or procedures. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and best suited for neutral or professional contexts, such as news reports or formal communications. While not frequently used, it effectively highlights anomalies and signals the need for attention or correction. Alternatives like "this is quite unusual" or "this is very atypical" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is quite unusual

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the situation more softly.

this is very atypical

Highlights the departure from a typical pattern or behavior.

this is most uncommon

Stresses the rarity of the occurrence.

this is quite exceptional

Suggests that the situation is not only unusual but also noteworthy.

this is far from standard

Focuses on the deviation from established norms or procedures.

this is out of the ordinary

Highlights that the situation is not typical or routine.

this is unprecedented

Indicates that there is no prior instance of this kind.

this is deviant behavior

Highlights the departure from acceptable behavior.

this is strikingly different

Focuses on an unexpected, marked difference.

this is a strange occurrence

Highlights the bizarre nature of the event.

FAQs

What does "this is highly irregular" mean?

The phrase "this is highly irregular" means that something is unusual, unexpected, and deviates significantly from the norm or established procedures.

How can I use "this is highly irregular" in a sentence?

You can use "this is highly irregular" to express concern or surprise about a situation that deviates from expected norms. For example: "The sudden change in the schedule is concerning; "this is highly irregular" for our organization."

What can I say instead of "this is highly irregular"?

You can use alternatives like "this is quite unusual", "this is very atypical", or "this is most uncommon" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "this is highly irregular"?

It's appropriate to use "this is highly irregular" in formal or professional settings when describing a situation that deviates significantly from established norms or procedures. Avoid using it in casual conversations as it may sound overly formal. Consider alternatives like "that's weird" or "that's unusual" in informal contexts.