This is unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "This is unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about a situation or outcome that was not anticipated. Example: "When I opened the door to find a surprise party waiting for me, I thought to myself, 'This is unexpected!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"This is unexpected," Naseem said.

The New Yorker

"This is unexpected but happy news.

The New York Times

This is unexpected from recent theoretical prediction and model projections of the 21st century.

The New York Times

This is unexpected, because Mr. Butter is not a landscape painter, but a sculptor who makes abstract work.

The New York Times

"This is unexpected, as traditionally people tend to hold off addressing financial issues during the festive season, rather saving them for the new year," she said.

The Guardian - Money

This is unexpected and admirable, and though moments of genuine insight come rarely, he does make a good show of giving it his best shot.

The New York Times - Books

This is unexpected.

Journal of Molecular Biology

This is unexpected and requires further investigations.

Journal of Mathematics in Industry

This is unexpected due to the extreme climatic conditions faced.

Journal of Applied Volcanology

This is unexpected as the convection electric field is nominally pointed into the planet on the "southern" hemisphere.

Earth, Planets and Space

This is unexpected because previous studies suggested that the nanopore rectification depends positively on its charge density.

Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "This is unexpected" to express surprise or mild disbelief in a situation where the outcome deviates from what was predicted or anticipated. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid overuse in formal or scientific writing where more precise language might be preferred. Consider alternatives like "This result deviates from the hypothesis" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "This is unexpected" functions primarily as an exclamatory statement expressing surprise or a deviation from an anticipated outcome. Ludwig examples confirm its use in diverse contexts to convey astonishment. It's used when something deviates from a projected trajectory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "This is unexpected" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or disbelief when something deviates from expectations. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed across various contexts, especially in Science and News & Media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, more precise alternatives might be favored in highly technical writing. Remember to use it to highlight deviations and signal surprise, but be mindful of potential overuse in strictly formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This is surprising

The word 'surprising' directly replaces 'unexpected', maintaining the core meaning of astonishment.

This is unforeseen

'Unforeseen' emphasizes the lack of prior anticipation, slightly more formal than 'unexpected'.

This is unanticipated

'Unanticipated' highlights the lack of expectation, similar to 'unforeseen' in formality.

This is a surprise

Rephrases the statement as a noun phrase, indicating the event is a source of surprise.

This was not anticipated

A more passive construction, emphasizing the lack of prior planning or thought.

This is beyond expectation

Implies the event exceeds any prior hopes or predictions, adding a layer of magnitude.

This is out of the blue

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey suddenness and lack of warning.

This is quite a shock

Highlights the sudden and potentially unsettling nature of the surprise.

This is a turn up for the books

Employs a British idiom implying an extraordinary or remarkable surprise.

I didn't see this coming

Shifts the perspective to a personal one, emphasizing a lack of foresight.

FAQs

How can I use "This is unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "This is unexpected" to express surprise or mild disbelief about a situation or outcome that was not anticipated. For example, "The sudden resignation of the CEO? "This is unexpected"."

What can I say instead of "This is unexpected"?

You can use alternatives like "This is surprising", "This is unforeseen", or "I didn't see this coming" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "This was unexpected"?

Yes, "This was unexpected" is grammatically correct. It simply refers to something unexpected that occurred in the past, while ""This is unexpected"" refers to something that is currently happening or has just happened.

What's the difference between "This is unexpected" and "This is surprising"?

While both express a sense of astonishment, ""This is unexpected"" often implies that there was a prior expectation or prediction that was not met. ""This is surprising"" can simply indicate a general feeling of astonishment without any prior expectations.