weird things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "weird things" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe unusual or strange occurrences, objects, or behaviors. An example: "She always has a knack for finding weird things at the flea market." Alternative expressions include "strange items," "odd occurrences," or "bizarre things."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I do weird things.

Independent

Still, weird things happen.

The New York Times

Earthquakes are weird things.

The Guardian

Weird things do happen here.

The New Yorker

Weird things happened all night.

The New York Times - Sports

Then weird things began happening.

The Washington Post

"I have done weird things.

The New York Times

How do people find such weird things?

University of California, Berkeley

"We all just build weird things".

The New Yorker

We had a category: Weird Things.

The New York Times - Magazine

Weird things happen on the bark.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "weird things" when you want to describe something that deviates from the norm or expectations in a noticeable way. It implies a sense of curiosity or mild surprise.

Common error

While "weird things" is widely understood, it might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "anomalies", "peculiarities", or "unusual phenomena" for a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weird things" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "weird" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "things". It describes a collection or category of items, events, or concepts that are considered unusual or strange. This aligns with Ludwig examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

19%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "weird things" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe unusual or strange occurrences, objects, or concepts. As noted by Ludwig, it's versatile and appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While "weird things" may lean towards the informal side, alternative expressions such as "anomalies", "peculiar incidents", or "unusual phenomena" can provide a more sophisticated tone in formal settings. The key is to use the phrase appropriately, considering the specific context and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strange occurrences

Focuses on the unusual nature of events, rather than objects or ideas.

odd happenings

Emphasizes the unexpected and curious nature of events.

peculiar incidents

Highlights the unusual and sometimes unsettling nature of events.

bizarre events

Emphasizes the extremely strange or unusual nature of occurrences.

unnatural phenomena

Refers to occurrences that defy the laws of nature or scientific understanding.

unusual items

Focuses on the uncommon nature of objects rather than events.

curious matters

Refers to interesting or intriguing issues or subjects.

anomalous situations

Highlights deviations from the norm in specific contexts or scenarios.

freaky situations

Emphasizes the alarming and unexpected nature of events.

unconventional notions

Focuses on ideas or beliefs that deviate from established norms.

FAQs

How can I use "weird things" in a sentence?

You can use "weird things" to describe unusual occurrences, objects, or ideas. For example, "Weird things happen when you least expect it" or "She collects "weird things at the flea market"".

What are some alternatives to "weird things"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "strange occurrences", "odd happenings", "peculiar incidents", or "bizarre events".

Is "weird things" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "weird things" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's better to use more sophisticated alternatives like "anomalies", "unusual phenomena", or "peculiar aspects".

What makes something qualify as "weird things"?

"Weird things" are those that deviate from the norm or expected. They evoke a sense of surprise, curiosity, or mild bewilderment due to their unusual or "unconventional nature".