a big surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a big surprise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something unexpected or remarkable happened. For example, "John had a big surprise when he found out he had won the lottery!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

This was a big surprise.

The Economist

"It is a big surprise.

The New York Times

This isn't a big surprise".

The New York Times

"It was a big surprise," she said.

The New York Times

It was quite a big surprise".

Independent

This was a big surprise to me.

The New Yorker

But it was not a big surprise.

Independent

Ken: It was a big surprise.

The New York Times

"This is not a big surprise.

The New York Times

He has been a big surprise".

The New York Times - Sports

We also found a big surprise.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a more nuanced expression of surprise, consider stronger alternatives like "a major shock" or "a startling revelation" for heightened impact.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "a big surprise" across all contexts. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms or rephrasing sentences to maintain reader engagement and prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big surprise" functions as a noun phrase typically used as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It denotes an unexpected event or piece of information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big surprise" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe something unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its frequent appearance in news and media indicates its widespread applicability. While versatile, consider stronger alternatives like "a startling revelation" in more formal contexts. The phrase effectively conveys unexpectedness and the emotional response to it, making it a valuable tool in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a startling revelation

Implies that the surprise involves the uncovering of new information.

a stunning development

Implies surprise due to new information.

a major shock

Emphasizes the intensity and impact of the surprise.

a complete revelation

Stresses the thorough and insightful quality of the surprise.

a considerable jolt

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the surprise.

an utter astonishment

Highlights the profound surprise.

a bolt from the blue

Indicates a surprise that came out of nowhere

an unexpected turn of events

Focuses on the unforeseen change in circumstances.

quite a discovery

Suggests the surprise came from finding something previously unknown.

a breathtaking moment

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "a big surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "a big surprise" to describe something unexpected that happens. For example, "It was "a big surprise" when she announced her engagement".

What are some alternatives to "a big surprise"?

Alternatives include "major shock", "startling revelation", or "utter astonishment", depending on the context and the intensity of the surprise you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "a big surprise" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a big surprise" might be considered informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider stronger, more precise alternatives for formal writing such as "significant development".

What's the difference between "a big surprise" and "an unexpected event"?

"A big surprise" emphasizes the emotional reaction to something unforeseen, while "an unexpected event" focuses more on the occurrence itself. For example, the lottery win was "a big surprise", because the winner didn't expect such a result.