a monumental surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a monumental surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected event or revelation that is significant or impressive in nature. Example: "The news of her promotion was a monumental surprise to everyone in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It would be a monumental surprise if George Mason managed to topple No. 1 OHIO STATE, the No. 1 overall seed.

The New York Times

1.20pm: Men's 200m final Usain Bolt was impressive in his semi-final and the 25-year-old hasn't lost a 200m race in four years – it would be a monumental surprise if he was beaten.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When she finally turns to face him, she is — to the monumental surprise of nobody except Matthew — not the one he wants.

The New Yorker

Perhaps one of the biggest surprises came when a monumental bronze bear by the Swiss installation artist Urs Fischer, which has been on display in front of the Seagram Building on Park Avenue and 53rd Street, made $6 million, its high estimate.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm honored that @jnegrelli57 & @m_abu24 shared such a monumental moment with me, and let me help orchestrate their surprise engagement💍❤️💍.

Huffington Post

In 1966, when John McPhee wrote a monumental two-part essay on oranges for The New Yorker magazine, he was surprised to discover how difficult it was to get fresh orange juice in Florida.

The New York Times - Food

A monumental achievement.

The New York Times

A monumental battle ensues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was a monumental loss.

The New Yorker

"It is a monumental tragedy.

The Guardian

It was a monumental achievement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a monumental surprise" to emphasize the sheer scale and unexpected nature of an event, making it clear that it's not just any surprise, but one of significant proportions and unexpectedness.

Common error

Avoid using "a monumental surprise" too frequently. Its impact diminishes if used for minor or commonplace surprises. Reserve it for truly exceptional and unexpected events to maintain its intended emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a monumental surprise" functions as a noun phrase, where "monumental" serves as an adjective modifying the noun "surprise". The phrase describes a surprise of great significance or scale. Ludwig examples show its use in describing unexpected outcomes or events.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A monumental surprise" is a noun phrase used to describe an event that is both unexpected and of great significance. Grammatically correct and deemed usable by Ludwig, the phrase is relatively rare but effective in conveying a sense of astonishment and importance. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it emphasizes the scale and impact of the surprise. Consider alternatives such as "a huge shock" or "a complete revelation" for slightly different nuances. Using it sparingly to maintain its impact is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A huge shock

This alternative emphasizes the magnitude of the surprise, focusing on the emotional impact.

A massive astonishment

This emphasizes the sheer size and scale of the surprise.

A complete revelation

Focuses on the revealing aspect of the surprise, highlighting the unveiling of something previously unknown.

An utter amazement

Highlights the feeling of wonder and disbelief associated with the surprise.

A gigantic revelation

Similar to complete revelation, but amplifies the scale of the revelation.

A staggering surprise

Suggests a surprise so significant it's almost overwhelming.

An extraordinary surprise

Emphasizes the exceptional and unusual nature of the surprise.

A tremendous surprise

Highlights the intensity of the surprise

A significant surprise

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the surprise.

A considerable surprise

Indicates a noticeable or substantial level of surprise.

FAQs

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

You can use "a monumental surprise" to describe an event that is both unexpected and incredibly significant. For example, "It was "a monumental surprise" when she announced her retirement unexpectedly."

What's a similar phrase to "a monumental surprise"?

Similar phrases include "a huge shock", "a massive astonishment", or "a complete revelation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "monumental surprise" formal or informal?

The phrase "a monumental surprise" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, its impact is strongest when used in situations where a truly grand or significant surprise is warranted.

What is the difference between "a monumental surprise" and "a big surprise"?

"A big surprise" simply indicates a large or significant surprise. "A monumental surprise", on the other hand, emphasizes the exceptional scale and importance of the surprise, implying it is truly remarkable and unforgettable.