Bizarre vs Like in outer space

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Bizarre

Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective

Like in outer space

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: BizarreMost common: Bizarre
 BizarreLike in outer space
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/bɪˈzɑː(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bɪˈzɑːr/"]/🇬🇧 //laɪk ɪn ˈaʊtə speɪs//🇺🇸 //laɪk ɪn ˈaʊtər speɪs//
MeaningVery strange or unusual.Similar to something in outer space.
Examplea bizarre situation/incident/storyHer creativity is like in outer space; it’s out of this world.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechadjective
Collocationsbe, look, seem, extremely, fairly, verydesign like in outer space, ideas like in outer space, creativity like in outer space
Antonymsnormal, usual, common-
Common mistakesConfused with 'peculiar' — both mean strange, but 'peculiar' can imply a sense of uniqueness., Using 'bizarre' to describe regular events, it should be reserved for things that are unusually strange., Spelling mistakes like 'bizzarre' instead of 'bizarre'.Confusing 'like in outer space' with 'like from outer space', which may imply being alien., Using it in formal contexts where it sounds too casual., Misplacing the emphasis, making it sound unnatural.
Usage notesUse 'bizarre' to describe things that are very odd or out of the ordinary. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts but may sound less formal in academic or serious writing.Use this phrase in casual conversations to express something that is extraordinary or unusual, often with a sense of wonder. It's not appropriate for formal writing or speech.

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Like in outer space

Frequently asked questions: Bizarre vs Like in outer space

What's the difference between Bizarre and Like in outer space?

Bizarre: Very strange or unusual. Like in outer space: Similar to something in outer space.

Which is more formal: Bizarre and Like in outer space?

Bizarre is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Bizarre and Like in outer space?

Bizarre is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Bizarre: a bizarre situation/incident/story Like in outer space: Her creativity is like in outer space; it’s out of this world.

Can I use Bizarre and Like in outer space interchangeably?

Not always. Bizarre and Like in outer space 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.

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