Cool MateStrange vs That's unusual
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Strange
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
That's unusual
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Strange
| Strange | That's unusual | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/streɪndʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/streɪndʒ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ʌnˈjuːʒəl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ʌnˈjuːʒəl// |
| Meaning | Unusual or odd; not normal. | That's not normal or expected. |
| Example | That was a strange noise coming from the basement. | I saw a cat wearing a hat, and that's unusual. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | appear, be, feel, extremely, fairly, very, to, strange and wonderful, appear, be, feel, extremely, fairly, very, to, strange and wonderful | that's unusual response, that's unusual behavior, that's unusual circumstance |
| Antonyms | normal, usual, common | normal, typical, usual |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'strange' with 'stranger', which refers to a person unknown to you., Using 'strange' when 'unusual' is more suitable in formal contexts., Overusing 'strange' when describing common things. | Using inappropriately in formal writing., Mispronouncing as 'that is unusual'., Confusing with 'that's normal' when reacting. |
| Usage notes | Use 'strange' to describe things that are not typical or expected. It can have a slightly negative connotation, depending on context, like feeling uncomfortable about something unfamiliar. | Use in conversations to express surprise or curiosity. Suitable in both casual and formal contexts, but may sound too blunt in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Strange vs That's unusual
What's the difference between Strange and That's unusual?
Strange: Unusual or odd; not normal. That's unusual: That's not normal or expected.
Which is more common: Strange and That's unusual?
Strange is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Strange: That was a strange noise coming from the basement. That's unusual: I saw a cat wearing a hat, and that's unusual.
Can I use Strange and That's unusual interchangeably?
Not always. Strange and That's unusual are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.