this sounds strange

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this sounds strange" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something seems unusual or unexpected to you. Example: "After hearing the explanation, I must say, this sounds strange to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

At first, this sounds strange.

The New York Times

This sounds strange, given that France makes intellectuals into celebrities.

The Guardian

She admits this sounds strange, but thinks that it is no stranger than any other explanation.

The New Yorker

"This sounds strange to say 40 years later, because who wants to look out on traffic?" Ms. Guttsman said.

The New York Times

If this sounds strange (not to mention deeply upsetting to a child of the 1980s), it shouldn't be.

The New York Times - Arts

"I know this sounds strange, but running to cheer up the people at Goldman Sachs shows what's in his heart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

If you're raising your eyebrows you're not alone – this sounded strange to me at first, but co-founder Greg Nemeth explains it's a well established sleep-study technique called actigraphy.

TechCrunch

"Maybe that sounds strange.

The New York Times

And if you think this pursuit sounds strange, Mr. Wu would point out, "Vionnet used to have a doll on a piano bench, which she used to drape her couture".

The New York Times

That has really made a huge difference, although it sounds strange, but this private contact has opened our eyes to one another".

BMC Health Services Research

Sounds strange, but this seems to work well.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this sounds strange" to introduce a statement that might be counterintuitive or surprising to the listener or reader. This prepares them for an unexpected idea.

Common error

While "this sounds strange" is useful, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Overuse can make your writing seem repetitive. Use "this seems odd", "this appears unusual", or other similar phrases for variation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this sounds strange" functions as an introductory remark to signal that the subsequent information might be surprising or unconventional. It serves to prepare the listener or reader for something unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this sounds strange" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to introduce potentially surprising or unconventional information. It functions as a warning or disclaimer, preparing the audience for an unexpected idea. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, including news, general discussions, and science. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid repetition and consider alternative phrases like "this seems odd" or "this appears unusual" to enhance writing quality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this seems odd

Focuses on the oddity or peculiarity of something.

this appears unusual

Highlights the uncommon or atypical nature of something.

this strikes me as peculiar

Emphasizes the speaker's personal perception of something as peculiar.

this is rather unconventional

Indicates that something deviates from established norms or conventions.

this is somewhat atypical

Suggests a deviation from a standard or expected type.

this feels off

Focuses on an intuitive sense that something is not quite right.

this rings hollow

Suggests a lack of authenticity or sincerity.

this raises eyebrows

Indicates that something is likely to cause surprise or disbelief.

this doesn't add up

Implies that something is illogical or inconsistent.

this is beyond belief

Emphasizes that something is difficult to accept as true.

FAQs

How can I use "this sounds strange" in a sentence?

Use "this sounds strange" to preface a statement that you anticipate might be surprising, unusual, or counterintuitive to your audience. For example: "I know I'm usually very punctual, but this might come as a surprise, "this sounds strange", but I am going to be late today."

What are some alternatives to "this sounds strange"?

Alternatives include: ""this seems odd"", ""this appears unusual"", or "this strikes me as peculiar". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "this sounds strange" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to acknowledge that what you're about to say might seem unconventional or unexpected to your audience. It's useful for setting the stage for potentially surprising information.

Is "this sounds strange" formal or informal?

The phrase "this sounds strange" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although slightly more formal alternatives may be preferred in very formal writing.