What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nontypical
Example
Her nontypical approach to problem-solving impressed her colleagues. [nontypical: adjective]
Example
The team's strategy was nontypical but effective. [nontypical: adjective]
unusual
Example
It's unusual to see snow in this part of the country. [unusual: adjective]
Example
The company's decision to close its doors was unusual. [unusual: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Unusual is more commonly used than nontypical in everyday language. Unusual is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nontypical is less common and often used in technical or specialized contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between nontypical and unusual?
Both nontypical and unusual are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, nontypical may be more technical and less accessible to beginner ESL learners.
