a surprising answer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surprising answer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an answer that is unexpected or not what one would typically anticipate. Example: "After much debate, the committee finally reached a surprising answer that left everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

New evidence reveals a surprising answer.

The New York Times

He gave a surprising answer.

The New York Times

Music was a surprising answer to the question of Greek renewal.

The New Yorker

Despite playing under Wenger for nine years and Mourinho just two, he gave a surprising answer.

Independent

"To the extent they're simply internalizing the fiscal facts, that's not a surprising answer".

The New York Times

Let's march on London … Who's in?" She got a surprising answer.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The diet guru looks me up and down and gives a rather surprising answer: "No".

Independent

The new novel, The Making of Zombie Wars, is a rather surprising answer.

The Guardian - Books

But the Talmud, the basis for Jewish law, offers a perhaps surprising answer: It places the responsibility for controlling men's licentious thoughts about women squarely on the men.

The New York Times

Kobe Bryant, alongside Shaquille O'Neal, with one of his five NBA titles Bryant was also asked to name the top five players he played against in his illustrious career - and gave a rather surprising answer.

Independent

When asked in the above interview what this innovation could possibly be (Project Spartan, perhaps?) Facebook Director of Product Engineering Andrew Bosworth gave a somewhat surprising answer.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a surprising answer" to introduce an unexpected or counterintuitive response to a question or problem. This can create intrigue and encourage further exploration of the topic.

Common error

While "a surprising answer" can be effective, overusing it may lead to reader fatigue and skepticism. Ensure the answer truly is surprising and provides meaningful insight, rather than simply being sensationalized for attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surprising answer" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an answer that deviates from what is expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a surprising answer" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce an unexpected or counterintuitive response. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, signaling a deviation from conventional expectations. When using this phrase, be sure the answer truly warrants the description and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "an unexpected response" or "an astonishing reply" to vary your language. By employing "a surprising answer" judiciously, you can effectively engage your audience and encourage deeper exploration of your topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unexpected response

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation associated with the response.

an astonishing reply

Highlights the element of amazement or disbelief.

a shocking revelation

Suggests the answer is deeply unsettling or disturbing.

an unforeseen solution

Focuses on the solution being previously unimagined or considered.

a startling disclosure

Implies the answer was previously concealed or unknown.

an unanticipated resolution

Highlights the fact that the resolution was not expected.

a curious response

Indicates the response is peculiar or intriguing.

a remarkable explanation

Emphasizes the noteworthiness or excellence of the explanation.

an unconventional explanation

Highlights the response goes against established conventions.

an insightful clarification

Stresses the element of deep understanding or clarity provided by the answer.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "a surprising answer" into my writing effectively?

Use "a surprising answer" when you want to highlight an unexpected resolution or revelation. For instance, "The investigation revealed "a surprising answer": the culprit was someone no one suspected."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a surprising answer"?

Consider using phrases like "an unexpected response", "an astonishing reply", or "a shocking revelation" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Is it grammatically correct to use "a surprising answer" in formal writing?

Yes, "a surprising answer" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys the unexpected nature of the answer and is widely understood.

What distinguishes "a surprising answer" from "an obvious answer"?

"A surprising answer" denotes something unexpected, whereas "an obvious answer" is something readily apparent and anticipated. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the unexpected or the commonplace.