unusual objects

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual objects" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe items that are not commonly found or that stand out due to their uniqueness. Example: "The museum featured a collection of unusual objects from ancient civilizations, each with its own fascinating story."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

But Smith doesn't always have to go to foreign countries to track down unusual objects.

Independent

We may never fully understand what prompts people to leave unusual objects inside books.

The New York Times - Books

Among the more unusual objects will be knives, a kayak, brooms, saddles and musical instruments.

The New York Times

In "A Cabinet of Curiosities" at the Public Library, unusual objects like a feng shui compass, above, inspire wonder.

The New York Times - Arts

First he assembles his cast of unusual objects, paints them and adjusts their appearance to his requirements.

The Guardian

Mr. Pearson's wish is to democratize antique collecting, both by offering unusual objects and also by setting prices intended to lure younger customers.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

The key is an unusual object.

The New York Times - Arts

(Klingon follows the unusual object-verb-subject ordering).

The New York Times - Magazine

Maybe because it was an unusual object it deterred them.

The Guardian

In some ways, Great Wolf makes for an unusual object of such a fight.

The New York Times

What is the most unusual object you've made into an Olympic logo?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing collections or exhibits, use "unusual objects" to pique interest and suggest a diverse range of items. For example: "The museum's collection features a variety of "unusual objects" from around the world."

Common error

Avoid using "unusual objects" as a catch-all term without providing specific details. Instead, offer concrete descriptions to make your writing more engaging. For example, instead of saying "the room was filled with unusual objects", specify "the room was filled with antique clocks, taxidermied animals, and vintage maps".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual objects" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "unusual" modifies the noun "objects". It's used to describe a collection or set of items that are not commonly encountered, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "unusual objects" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe items that deviate from the norm. As Ludwig confirms, its primary function is to highlight the distinctiveness or oddity of collections, artifacts, or items. Commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Arts contexts, its register is generally neutral to professional. To enhance your writing, avoid overuse and provide specific details instead of relying solely on this broad descriptor. Consider alternatives like "peculiar items" or "strange artifacts" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peculiar items

Replaces "objects" with "items" and "unusual" with "peculiar", slightly altering the tone to suggest oddness.

strange artifacts

Substitutes "objects" with "artifacts" and "unusual" with "strange", implying items of historical or cultural interest that are also odd.

unique items

Replaces "unusual" with "unique", focusing on the distinctiveness of the objects.

odd articles

Uses "odd" instead of "unusual" and "articles" in place of "objects", conveying a sense of curiosity.

curious things

Replaces both words to emphasize the intriguing nature of the items.

rare finds

Shifts the focus to the scarcity and discovery aspect of the objects.

novel creations

Highlights the innovative or newly made aspect of the unusual items.

anomalous items

Replaces "unusual" with a more formal term, "anomalous", suggesting deviation from the norm.

extraordinary pieces

Emphasizes the exceptional quality and nature of the objects.

remarkable items

Focuses on the noteworthy or striking character of the objects.

FAQs

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

Use "unusual objects" to describe items that are not commonly found or are unique. For example: "The collector displayed a variety of "unusual objects" in his cabinet."

What is a less common way to say "unusual objects"?

Consider using terms like "peculiar items", "strange artifacts", or "unique items" to add variety to your writing.

What distinguishes "unusual objects" from "rare objects"?

"Unusual objects" emphasizes the odd or uncommon nature of the items, while "rare objects" focuses on their scarcity and value. A "rare object" might also be unusual, but an "unusual object" isn't necessarily rare.

Is it correct to describe a collection of antiques as "unusual objects"?

Yes, describing a collection of antiques as "unusual objects" is appropriate if the items are particularly odd or uncommon. However, terms like "antique artifacts" or "vintage items" might be more specific.