weird

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "weird" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is strange, unusual, or mysterious. Example: "This room is full of weird sculptures that I can't quite put my finger on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was weird".

The New York Times

It's a really simple, really weird little trick.

The Guardian - Film

Ilsar performs with long-time musical collaborators Daniel Pliner (synths) and Josh Ahearn (electric bass) as the Sticks and their debut single, World Maps, is funky and weird, with references to vintage video game music.

The Guardian - Music

There's no way to say this that will make it sound less weird: that was the week that teenage girls started to say they fancied Ed Miliband.

The Guardian

"The fact that we're being played to the masses is just weird," says Holman.

The Guardian - Music

But a tweet by Murdoch contests the claim, claiming the paper has made a "weird leap" and there has been a "misunderstanding somewhere".

The Guardian

But I did leave it out, thinking it too weird and personal a dish to include, and I regretted it the moment the book was published.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He's hitting Red Ed with some facts that he's read That smacks of a weird personal odyssey.

The Guardian - Opinion

But there's a weird logic to that choice, and I think people could be swayed.

The Guardian

My manager told me that it was really weird and, yeah, it was really weird.

The Guardian - Music

Glastonbury is a place full of weird, forgotten subcultures that you didn't realise still existed.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something as "weird", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Choose a synonym like "peculiar" or "bizarre" for greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "weird" as a catch-all term for anything you find unusual. Instead, identify the specific qualities that make something strange, such as its appearance, behavior, or origin.

Linguistic Context

The word "weird" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something as strange, unusual, or inexplicable. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical function, supported by numerous examples across various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "weird" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that deviates from the norm, sparking curiosity or unease. According to Ludwig AI, it adheres to standard grammatical rules and is widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While "weird" is acceptable, consider enriching your writing with synonyms like "peculiar" or "bizarre" for enhanced precision. Remember, while commonly used, overuse can dilute its impact; strive for specificity by pinpointing the qualities that truly render something "weird".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange

A general term for something that deviates from the ordinary or expected.

unusual

Emphasizes the uncommon or atypical nature of something.

peculiar

Suggests a unique or distinctive oddness.

odd

Implies a slight deviation from the norm; less intense than "weird".

bizarre

Indicates something strikingly out of the ordinary and often unsettling.

eccentric

Describes behavior or appearance that is unconventional and often amusingly so.

anomalous

Highlights a deviation from what is standard, normal, or expected.

outlandish

Suggests something strikingly unconventional or bizarre.

atypical

Refers to something not representative of a type, group, or class.

unconventional

Emphasizes a departure from established norms or practices.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "weird"?

You can use alternatives like "strange", "unusual", "peculiar", or "odd" depending on the context.

How to use "weird" in a sentence?

"Weird" is typically used as an adjective to describe something that deviates from the normal or expected. For example, "That's a weird coincidence" or "He has a weird sense of humor".

What's the difference between "weird" and "bizarre"?

"Weird" suggests something is strange or unusual, while "bizarre" implies something is strikingly out of the ordinary, often unsettling or grotesque.

Is it grammatically correct to use "weird" in formal writing?

While "weird" is grammatically correct, it is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives such as "unconventional" or "anomalous".