unusual event

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual event" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an occurrence that is not typical or expected. Example: "The unusual event of a snowstorm in April caught everyone by surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is an unusual event.

Independent

"It's just a very unusual event.

Independent

That a pretty unusual event.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The postponement led to a unusual event.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not an unusual event in Afghanistan today.

Independent

The second unusual event is more mainstream than avant-garde.

The New York Times

Last Friday's family dinner was not an unusual event.

The New York Times

So a severe burn is a very unusual event".

The New York Times

Her unannounced visit was not an unusual event.

The New York Times

There was an unusual event this morning, for instance.

The New York Times

Louise Darnell also reported the unusual event on the social networking site.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an "unusual event", provide specific details to illustrate why it deviates from the norm and capture the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "unusual event" as a generic placeholder; instead, describe the event with more specific and descriptive language to convey its unique characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual event" functions as a noun phrase, where "unusual" modifies the noun "event". It is used to describe something that deviates from the expected or typical, highlighting its non-routine nature, Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Opinion

3%

General

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unusual event" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to describe occurrences that deviate from the norm. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it appears most commonly in news, science, and academic writing. While the phrase itself is straightforward, remember to provide specific details about the "unusual event" to give the reader context. Considering alternatives like "rare occurrence" or "unexpected incident" can also add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare occurrence

Focuses on the infrequency of the event.

unexpected incident

Highlights the element of surprise associated with the event.

atypical situation

Emphasizes the deviation from the typical or normal state.

singular happening

Suggests the event is unique and stands out.

peculiar circumstance

Implies the event is odd or strange.

extraordinary episode

Conveys that the event is remarkable and beyond the ordinary.

uncommon phenomenon

Highlights the rarity and potential scientific interest of the event.

abnormal occurrence

Stresses the deviation from what is considered normal or standard.

remarkable happening

Indicates that the event is worth noting due to its exceptional nature.

unprecedented situation

Emphasizes that the event has never happened before.

FAQs

How can I use "unusual event" in a sentence?

You can use "unusual event" to describe something that is not typical or expected. For example: "The sudden hailstorm was an "unusual event" for this time of year."

What can I say instead of "unusual event"?

You can use alternatives like "rare occurrence", "unexpected incident", or "atypical situation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "unusual event" and "common occurrence"?

"Unusual event" describes something that is not typical and happens infrequently, while "common occurrence" refers to something that happens regularly and is expected.

Is "unusual event" formal or informal language?

"Unusual event" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more descriptive alternatives may be preferred in formal writing.