unusually for a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unusually for a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what is typically expected in a given context. Example: "Unusually for a summer day, the weather was quite chilly and overcast."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most unusually for a Russian oligarch, I must say".

The Guardian - Books

He comes across, unusually for a boxer, as entirely lovable.

The Guardian - Sport

Unusually for a chef, Lee actually likes people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Unusually for a meeting with Bradford, it is not being televised.

Independent

Unusually for a cat, it is at home in the water.

Independent

Unusually for a man who preaches family values, he practices them too.

The Economist

A Han Chinese, unusually for a rural policeman, he carries a pistol on his hip.

The Economist

Unusually for a songwriter, Arlen was also a great interpreter of his own work.

The New Yorker

UNUSUALLY for a microchip-maker, Intel employs a team of anthropologists.

The Economist

Unusually for a school, Small Heath has CBI membership, which gives it useful links to businesses.

The Economist

Unusually for a company chairman, he sounds like a man of the people.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unusually for a", ensure that the statement following it is specific and provides concrete evidence of the unusual aspect. Avoid vague generalizations that dilute the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "unusually for a" within close proximity, as it can become repetitive and weaken its impact. Vary your phrasing by using alternatives like "surprisingly" or "atypically" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unusually for a" functions as an adverbial modifier, introducing a contrast or exception to a general expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to highlight something that deviates from what is typical or common. For example, "Unusually for a cat, it is at home in the water."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unusually for a" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to introduce an element of surprise or contrast. As Ludwig AI indicates, it highlights deviations from the norm and draws attention to unexpected attributes or situations. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register, suitable for professional and academic writing. For instance, "Unusually for a second novel, King of Swords is a prequel." When using the phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating the expected norm and consider varying your phrasing to avoid redundancy. Alternatives include "surprisingly for a" or "atypically for a", offering similar levels of formality and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

atypically for a

Replaces "unusually" with "atypically", suggesting a deviation from the norm, but maintaining a similar level of formality.

surprisingly for a

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the statement, focusing on the element of surprise.

unexpectedly for a

Similar to "surprisingly", it highlights the lack of anticipation for the stated fact.

remarkably for a

Highlights the noteworthy or exceptional nature of the situation.

notably for a

Draws attention to a specific detail that contrasts with the general expectation.

distinctively for a

Emphasizes the unique or characteristic difference from the norm.

uncharacteristically for a

Highlights a deviation from the typical behavior or attributes.

deviating from the norm

Expresses the concept more explicitly, describing a departure from what is typical.

contrary to expectations for a

Directly states that the situation opposes the usual expectations.

in contrast to the typical

Highlights the difference between the statement and what is generally observed.

FAQs

How can I use "unusually for a" in a sentence?

Use "unusually for a" to highlight a characteristic or situation that deviates from the norm. For example, "Unusually for a summer day, the weather was cold and rainy."

What's a good alternative to "unusually for a"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly for a", "atypically for a", or "unexpectedly for a". Each emphasizes the unexpected nature of the statement.

Is it correct to say "uncharacteristically for a" instead of "unusually for a"?

Yes, "uncharacteristically for a" can be used to emphasize a deviation from typical behavior or attributes, providing a similar meaning to "unusually for a".

In what kind of writing is "unusually for a" most appropriate?

"Unusually for a" is suitable for various writing styles, especially when aiming to highlight exceptions or contrasts. It commonly appears in news articles, academic papers, and general descriptive writing.