Cool MateStrange vs That’s weird
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Strange
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
That’s weird
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: StrangeMost common: Strange
| Strange | That’s weird | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/streɪndʒ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/streɪndʒ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðæts wɪəd//🇺🇸 //ðæts wɪrd// |
| Meaning | Unusual or odd; not normal. | That is strange or unusual. |
| Example | That was a strange noise coming from the basement. | The lights flickered, and I thought, 'That’s weird.' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| 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 weird timing, That's weird behavior, That's weird to say, That's weird, isn't it?, That’s weird for sure |
| Antonyms | normal, usual, common | - |
| 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 in overly formal contexts., Confusing with 'That's strange' - similar but 'weird' has a stronger connotation., Not using the contraction (That's) - sounds more natural to shorten. |
| 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 when something feels odd or unexpected; appropriate in casual contexts but can seem unprofessional in formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Strange vs That’s weird
What's the difference between Strange and That’s weird?
Strange: Unusual or odd; not normal. That’s weird: That is strange or unusual.
Which is more formal: Strange and That’s weird?
Strange is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Strange and That’s weird?
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 weird: The lights flickered, and I thought, 'That’s weird.'
Can I use Strange and That’s weird interchangeably?
Not always. Strange and That’s weird 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.