a surprising result

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a surprising result" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing findings or outcomes that are unexpected or not in line with prior assumptions or predictions. Example: "The experiment yielded a surprising result, indicating that the hypothesis was incorrect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All my overthinking had a surprising result.

The New York Times

That is not a surprising result.

The Economist

It was a surprising result.

The Guardian - Music

This is a surprising result for a neurological disease.

The New York Times - Health

That is a surprising result, California officials say.

The New York Times

Either possibility would be a surprising result for Mars.

The New York Times - Science

BRUSSELS — The recent European Parliament election has produced a surprising result.

The New York Times

Since Survey USAs polling techniques tend to generate a slight bias toward Republicans, this is a surprising result.

The New Yorker

They analyzed the happiness trends of US citizens between 1970 and 2005 and found a surprising result.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The correct reaction when you get a surprising result is, 'What am I doing wrong?' " said Dr. Patterson.

The New York Times - Science

PARIS - Losing in the first week of the French Open is not a surprising result for Andy Roddick.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a surprising result", ensure the context clearly establishes what expectations were defied. Provide enough background information for the surprise to be understood.

Common error

Avoid using "a surprising result" when the outcome is merely unexpected but logically follows from the circumstances. Reserve it for genuinely counterintuitive or inexplicable findings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a surprising result" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It introduces an outcome that deviates from what was anticipated. Examples on Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from scientific discoveries to election outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a surprising result" is a commonly used phrase to indicate an unexpected or unanticipated outcome, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in science and news media. When using this phrase, provide sufficient context to highlight the contrast between the expected and actual outcomes. Consider alternatives like ""an unexpected outcome"" or ""a startling result"" for subtle differences in emphasis. Ensure the surprise is genuine and not merely a logical consequence of the situation to avoid overstating the unexpectedness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surprise outcome

A more concise and direct way to express the idea.

an unexpected outcome

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation rather than the level of surprise.

an unusual result

Emphasizes the deviation from the norm or expectation.

a startling result

Highlights the shock or alarm caused by the result.

an astonishing result

Indicates a high degree of amazement or disbelief.

an unforeseen consequence

Focuses on the fact that the result was not predicted or planned for.

a remarkable finding

Suggests the result is not only surprising but also significant or noteworthy.

an unanticipated finding

More formal, often used in research or academic settings.

an atypical outcome

Highlights that the result is not representative of the typical pattern.

an unconventional result

The outcome challenges established norms.

FAQs

How can I use "a surprising result" in a sentence?

You can use "a surprising result" to introduce an unexpected outcome. For example, "The study yielded "a surprising result", challenging previous assumptions."

What are some alternatives to "a surprising result"?

Alternatives include "an unexpected outcome", "a startling result", or "an unanticipated finding", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "a surprising result" or "a surprise result"?

"A surprising result" is generally preferred as it sounds more natural and grammatically correct. "A surprise result" is less common but still understandable.

What makes a result "surprising"?

A result is "surprising" when it contradicts expectations, previous findings, or established theories. It often prompts further investigation to understand the underlying reasons.