unconventionally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unconventionally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that deviates from traditional norms or practices. Example: "She approached the problem unconventionally, using methods that others had not considered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is 41 now, but he is so curiously boyish in manner that you can well imagine him still as the awkward British chorister, developing a bit faster, and a bit more unconventionally than his fellow descants; he still looks both at home and not at home in these suburbs, a big man who has got used to projecting his inner hermaphrodite quite comfortably.

The Guardian - Music

Appearance: Unconventionally good-looking.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But looked at unconventionally, his position seems exactly right.

The Economist

More unconventionally still, it is about career advancement, not preparing a student for a life in academia.

The Economist

He has tried serialism, tone clusters and conventional chords (unconventionally arranged).

The Economist

But it is not far wrong to say that, for him, capitalism forms an all-embracing system, that how people think about things is somehow trapped and distorted by that system, and that in order to imagine alternatives to capitalism, you must first break its mental hold by thinking obliquely and unconventionally, especially about literature, architecture and the arts.

The Economist

A member of the derivatives team occasionally joins on alto sax.Mr Seifert, who this week launched another shake-up at the exchange, thinks as unconventionally as he behaves.

The Economist

Prior to the publication of The Crystal Cave, Stewart had already built a solid reputation with a series of best-selling romantic thrillers that featured unconventionally strong heroines.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is she a plain Jane, or is she more jolie laide – unconventionally beautiful actresses certainly being favoured by the directors who cast Ruth Wilson and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

Independent

The reappointment seemed to Krugman to be "a reaffirmation of Serious Person Syndrome, aka it's better to have been conventionally wrong than unconventionally right".

Independent

The latter were unscripted and took place unconventionally at the side of the Tavistock complex.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unconventionally", ensure that the context clearly establishes the conventional method being deviated from to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "unconventionally" when a more specific term like "illegally" or "unethically" is more appropriate. "Unconventionally" refers to deviations from norms, not necessarily from laws or moral principles.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "unconventionally" functions primarily to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating that an action is performed or a quality is exhibited in a manner that deviates from established norms or customs. As Ludwig suggests, this adverb describes something that is done in a way that is not traditional or typical.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unconventionally" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverb that signifies a deviation from established norms or traditional practices. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a versatile term applicable across various contexts, including news, media, academic writing, and business communications. When using "unconventionally", clarity is crucial; ensure the conventional method being referenced is well-established. While it is an acceptable word to use, remember to avoid using it in place of other words. Its neutral register makes it widely appropriate, and its frequent usage in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist underscores its credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using unconventional methods

Directly mentions the use of methods that are not standard.

untypically

This alternative means not usual or ordinary.

in an unorthodox way

Highlights the unusual and atypical nature of the approach.

in a non-traditional manner

Emphasizes the departure from established traditions rather than general conventions.

by deviating from the norm

Explicitly states the departure from typical standards.

in a novel fashion

Focuses on the innovative and new aspect of the method.

outside the box

This alternative refers to creative thinking that is not limited by accepted standards or expectations.

with originality

Stresses the inventive and creative quality of the action.

in a peculiar style

Underscores the distinctiveness and oddity of the manner.

alternatively

This alternative signifies a choice of differing options.

FAQs

How can I use "unconventionally" in a sentence?

You can use "unconventionally" to describe actions or methods that deviate from the norm. For instance, "She approached the problem "unconventionally", using methods that others had not considered".

What are some alternatives to using "unconventionally"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "non-traditionally", "untypically", or "in an unorthodox way".

Is it appropriate to use "unconventionally" in formal writing?

Yes, "unconventionally" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing methods or approaches that deviate from established norms in business, academia, or science. However, ensure the context is clear.

What's the difference between "unconventionally" and "innovatively"?

"Unconventionally" describes something that deviates from the norm, while "innovatively" implies that something is new and inventive. You can use "unconventionally" to describe a method that is simply different, while "innovatively" suggests a new and improved approach.