unusual symbol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusual symbol" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a symbol that is not commonly seen or recognized, often in contexts related to art, mathematics, or communication. Example: "The artist used an unusual symbol in her painting that sparked curiosity among the viewers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Zapf Dingbats was an unusual symbol font: it had no thumbs up or thumbs down, but four different types of scissors and moe than 20 stars.

The Guardian - Arts

He set the central cross against a background of swirling white and clear glass indicating clouds, interwoven with the more unusual symbol of butterflies, representing resurrection.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The unusual symbols are attracting the attention of drivers and pedestrians, a spokeswoman for Vienna's city lighting department said.

BBC

We allowed unusual symbols and manually edited mismatches between CDS and protein sequences wherever necessary.

BMC Genomics

Read large numbers with unusual symbols.

WikiHow

You should also avoid slashes and greater than/less than symbols, stars, percent symbols, and any other unusual symbols.

WikiHow

He also used unusual images and symbols in his poetry, including rotting leaves, tufts of straw, and debris.

Wikipedia

And Ms. O'Donnell was a principal Graham dancer who was also, Ms. Hering suggested, a symbol of unusual serenity, elegance and measure for the choreographer.

The New York Times - Arts

But those seafaring captains who once used the then unusual fruit as a symbol to show they were home and hosting might be astonished to find that centuries on, the pineapple has also been added to the inflation basket.

BBC

THERE is nothing unusual about companies becoming symbols.

The Economist

The mandala is also unusual because it contains symbols and figures from Buddhism and Hinduism.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a symbol, be specific about what makes it "unusual". Provide context or details to clarify its significance.

Common error

Avoid simply stating a symbol is "unusual" without explaining why. Always provide context or specific features that justify the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusual symbol" typically functions as a noun phrase where "unusual" modifies the noun "symbol". It's used to describe a sign or mark that deviates from the norm or is not commonly encountered, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusual symbol" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes a sign or mark that deviates from the norm. As indicated by Ludwig, it's correct to use. While the phrase appears across different contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key; always provide context to explain what makes the symbol "unusual". Consider alternatives like "rare symbol" or "unique symbol" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rare symbol

Focuses on the infrequency of the symbol.

non-standard symbol

Directly states that the symbol does not conform to standards.

unique symbol

Highlights the distinctiveness and singularity of the symbol.

atypical symbol

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or standard.

uncommon emblem

Replaces "symbol" with "emblem", suggesting a less widespread representation.

novel symbol

Focuses on the newness or unfamiliarity of the symbol.

peculiar symbol

Indicates a strange or odd characteristic of the symbol.

original symbol

Highlights the innovative or inventive nature of the symbol.

distinctive mark

Shifts the focus to a recognizable and individual characteristic.

irregular sign

Uses "irregular" to convey the non-standard nature of the sign.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "unusual symbol" in a sentence?

Use "unusual symbol" to describe a mark or sign that deviates from the norm or expected conventions. For example: "The artist incorporated an "unusual symbol" into their work to provoke thought."

What are some alternatives to using "unusual symbol"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "rare symbol", "unique symbol", or "atypical symbol".

When is it appropriate to describe a symbol as "unusual"?

It's appropriate when the symbol is not commonly recognized, has an unconventional design, or holds a meaning that is not immediately apparent. Always provide context to explain why the symbol is considered "unusual".

What's the difference between an "unusual symbol" and a "rare symbol"?

While both terms describe a symbol that isn't commonly encountered, "unusual" focuses on the symbol's characteristics or appearance, while "rare symbol" emphasizes its infrequency or scarcity.