unusual appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something or someone that looks different or atypical compared to what is considered normal or expected. Example: "The artist's latest sculpture has an unusual appearance that captivates viewers and sparks curiosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The most common knockdown phenotype was defective oogenesis, where oocytes were small and/or unusually shaped and/or had an unusual appearance (e.g., "dimpling").

Genome Biology and Evolution

Unusual appearance – Red or bloodshot eyes, appearing hung over or listless may indicate substance abuse.

WikiHow

Tomato Straciatella: Tomatoes make an unusual appearance in this Italian-style egg drop soup.

The New York Times

Despite their unusual appearance and behaviour, they are close relatives of sheep and true goats.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The unusual appearance of Regaliceratops peterhewsi  may provide some promising material for the best man's speech.

Independent

Instead, the unusual appearance of Bowie's eyes were due to a condition called anisocoria.

Independent

Tumours with cells that have a less unusual appearance have a much better prognosis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Baron Cohen, dressed in a suit, made an unusual appearance - as himself - to collect the award.

Independent

He describes his unusual appearance when he was young and the nickname it provoked.

The New York Times

As he listened, the resident was struck by the man's unusual appearance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Their unusual appearance at the same event ended early, when Clinton felt unwell and left.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's "unusual appearance", be mindful of potentially negative connotations. Focus on specific details rather than making general judgments.

Common error

Avoid pairing "unusual appearance" with overused clichés like "striking" or "eye-catching" without providing further specific details. Instead, offer concrete descriptions of what makes the appearance unusual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual appearance" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to characterize something or someone as having a look that deviates from what is typical or expected. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it is used across several fields to simply describe something that appears to be outside what is common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

25%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusual appearance" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to describe something that deviates from the norm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's seen across diverse contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, it's important to be mindful of the potential for negative connotations and to focus on specific, objective details. Alternatives like "strange look" or "distinctive guise" can offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding the nuances of "unusual appearance", writers can effectively communicate their observations while maintaining sensitivity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange look

Focuses on the visual aspect but uses a more informal adjective.

peculiar aspect

Emphasizes a unique or odd quality in the way something appears.

odd visage

Highlights the face or facial expression with an implication of strangeness.

remarkable form

Points out that the shape or structure is noteworthy, potentially due to its difference.

distinctive guise

Indicates a characteristic manner or appearance that sets something apart.

atypical semblance

Emphasizes that the appearance deviates from the typical or expected.

uncommon outward

Highlights the external display being unique and not regularly observed.

unique presentation

Stresses that the way something is presented is singular and stands out.

irregular shape

Refers specifically to an atypical configuration or outline.

bizarre manifestation

Suggests that something is shown or revealed in a strikingly odd manner.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's "unusual appearance" without being offensive?

Focus on specific, objective details rather than subjective judgments. For example, instead of saying "He had an unusual appearance", you could say "He had brightly colored hair and wore vintage clothing".

What are some synonyms for "unusual appearance"?

Alternatives include "strange look", "peculiar aspect", or "distinctive guise", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "unusual appearance" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase is acceptable in formal writing, but consider the context. In some cases, a more precise term might be preferable. For example, in scientific writing, describing an "irregular shape" might be more appropriate than saying it has an "unusual appearance".

What's the difference between "unusual appearance" and "unique appearance"?

"Unusual appearance" suggests something is different from the norm, potentially odd or unexpected. "Unique appearance", however, simply means that something is one of a kind without necessarily implying strangeness.