It was unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that occurred without prior warning or anticipation. Example: "The sudden rainstorm caught everyone off guard; it was unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was unexpected, yet entertaining.

The New York Times - Arts

It was unexpected, vitriolic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was unexpected, and it was awesome.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was unexpected and quite fantastic".

The New York Times

It was unexpected," he said.

The Guardian

It was unexpected, and delightful.

The New Yorker

"It was unexpected, and probably unplanned.

The Guardian

"It was unexpected for sure," Mr. Chiesa said.

The New York Times

It was unexpected, but it stopped just short of amusing him.

The New Yorker

It was unexpected but exactly what I wanted: to be loved and to be someone's favorite.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Not because it was unexpected indeed, it was long-expected.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's reaction, use "It was unexpected" to frame their surprise, followed by their specific response.

Common error

Avoid using "It was unexpected" without providing context. Always follow up with an explanation of what was unexpected and why, to avoid leaving the reader wondering.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "It was unexpected" functions as a statement expressing surprise or lack of anticipation regarding a past event or situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to introduce something unforeseen.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "It was unexpected" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or a lack of anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, followed by science, and serves to introduce unforeseen events or outcomes. When using this phrase, it's important to provide context to clarify what exactly was unexpected and why. Remember to choose alternative phrases like "it came as a surprise" or "it was unforeseen" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It came as a surprise

Uses a different verb and noun to express the same sentiment.

It was unforeseen

Replaces "unexpected" with a synonym indicating a lack of prior anticipation.

It took me by surprise

Emphasizes the personal impact of the unexpected event.

It was a shock

Conveys a stronger sense of surprise, implying a more significant impact.

I didn't see that coming

An idiomatic expression indicating a complete lack of anticipation.

It caught me off guard

Highlights the unpreparedness resulting from the unexpected event.

It was out of the blue

An idiomatic phrase emphasizing the sudden and unpredicted nature of the event.

It wasn't anticipated

A more formal way of saying something was not expected.

It defied expectations

Suggests that the event not only was unexpected but also contradicted prior assumptions.

It happened contrary to what was planned

Highlights the deviation from a prior plan or expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "It was unexpected" in a sentence?

Use "It was unexpected" to introduce a surprising event or outcome. For example, "The sudden success of the indie film; "it was unexpected", but well-deserved".

What can I say instead of "It was unexpected"?

You can use alternatives like "it came as a surprise", "it was unforeseen", or "it took me by surprise" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "That was unexpected" instead of "It was unexpected"?

Yes, "That was unexpected" is perfectly acceptable and often interchangeable with ""it was unexpected"". The choice depends on what "that" refers to in the specific context.

What's the difference between "It was unexpected" and "It is unexpected"?

"It was unexpected" refers to something that happened in the past and was not anticipated. "It is unexpected" refers to something currently happening or a general situation that is surprising in the present. For example: "It was unexpected that he resigned yesterday" vs. "It is unexpected how quickly the company is growing".