Surprisingly enough

USAGE SUMMARY

"Surprisingly enough" can be used in written English.
It is used when you want to emphasize the surprise of something being true or the surprise of a situation. Example: Surprisingly enough, the exam was easier than I expected.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Surprisingly enough, it's accurate.

The Guardian - Film

Surprisingly enough, big domestic disruptions followed.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly enough, their rivalry appears to be friendly.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly enough, this selection contains some real downers.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly enough, it often soars to heights of not bad.

The New York Times

Surprisingly enough, the young man does just that.

The New York Times - Books

Surprisingly enough, there is actually a very strong international community in Cornell.

Cornell University

Surprisingly enough, Lana Del Rey seems to regret saying that she wishes she was dead.

Independent

Surprisingly enough the revamped Rhodes Brothers pick up the win over Rybaxel.

Independent

Surprisingly enough, for two different equipment manufacturers the results were almost identical when using the same parameter setting.

Microelectronics Journal

Surprisingly enough, that's not that difficult.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Surprisingly enough" to introduce information that contradicts common assumptions or prior knowledge to engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "Surprisingly enough" excessively in formal or academic writing, as it can sound informal or conversational. Opt for more neutral phrases like "Remarkably" or "Unexpectedly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Surprisingly enough" functions as a sentence adverbial, modifying the entire clause that follows. It signals that the information is unexpected or contrary to what might be assumed. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Surprisingly enough" serves as a versatile adverbial phrase, ideal for introducing unexpected or counterintuitive information. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use across News & Media, Science, and Academia, although careful consideration should be given to formality preferences. Alternative phrasing like "oddly enough" or "unexpectedly" might better suit formal contexts. Remember to use this phrase to engage your audience by challenging their assumptions. This phrase is commonly used, so using it is grammatically correct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Oddly enough

Emphasizes the strangeness of the situation.

Unexpectedly

Single word alternative. Lacks the conversational tone.

Believe it or not

More informal and conversational.

Remarkably

Single word, emphasizing the degree of surprise.

To my surprise

Highlights personal reaction.

In an unexpected turn of events

More verbose and formal.

As it turns out

Focuses on revealing a previously unknown fact.

Contrary to expectations

More formal and academic.

It may surprise you to know

Directly addresses the listener, setting up a surprise.

Against all odds

Emphasizes overcoming difficulty, stronger connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "Surprisingly enough" in a sentence?

Use "Surprisingly enough" to introduce a statement that contrasts with what might be expected. For example, "Surprisingly enough, the movie was actually quite good."

What are some alternatives to "Surprisingly enough"?

You can use alternatives such as "oddly enough", "unexpectedly", or "remarkably" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "Surprisingly enough" in formal writing?

While acceptable, "Surprisingly enough" might sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "contrary to expectations" or "unexpectedly".

What's the difference between "Surprisingly enough" and "Oddly enough"?

"Surprisingly enough" emphasizes the unexpectedness of a situation, while "Oddly enough" highlights the strangeness or peculiarity of it. They are often interchangeable, but the latter adds a sense of curiosity.