a true surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a true surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the authenticity or genuineness of a surprise, often in contexts where the element of surprise is significant. Example: "When she walked in with the cake, it was a true surprise for everyone at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It's a true surprise.

The New York Times

But was Welch correct in viewing the decision as a true surprise, an event that couldn't have been foreseen?

Harvard Business Review

If anything in pop music could be a true surprise, this new band would seem to be it.

The New York Times - Arts

Finally, with the score tied at 9-9 -- and with the Redskins perhaps poised for the upset -- a true surprise star emerged.

The New York Times - Sports

Tennis needed a true surprise about now, and Bartoli, the thoughtful and proud Frenchwoman with Corsican roots, was arguably the biggest surprise Wimbledon women's champion since 17-year-old Maria Sharapova — then seeded 13th — stormed the castle in 2004.

The New York Times - Sports

If nothing else, the biggest upset of the tournament's first two rounds highlighted the unpredictability in the women's bracket, where no match result would come as a true surprise.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The only hope for a real shake-up in this tale is a true October surprise that can't be greeted with pre-fab language -- perhaps a shocking F.B.I. resolution to the question of who mailed a Bush debate preparation tape to the Gore camp.

The New York Times

A true upside surprise should result in a positive share-price reaction.

Forbes

Yet there is one moment of true surprise, planted midway through the film, a twist of shocking audacity that's too good to spoil.

The New Yorker

The true surprise was the pass defense, aided by a strong pass rush, that made the Giants look dreadfully unrehearsed.

The New York Times - Sports

One example of true surprise on this leg was Peter Coffin's U.F.O., a lighting rig equipped with a fancy L.E.D. program that was lifted above the crowd by helicopter, as close as the law would allow.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a true surprise" to highlight genuine unexpectedness, especially when the element of surprise is crucial to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "a true surprise" when describing events that were somewhat anticipated or widely speculated. This phrase is most effective when the unexpectedness is genuine and not merely a deviation from minor expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a true surprise" functions as a noun phrase, where "true" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "surprise". It denotes something genuinely unexpected. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Sports

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a true surprise" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It emphasizes the genuine unexpectedness of something. While its frequency is uncommon, it finds use across various contexts, most notably in News & Media. When using "a true surprise", it's important to ensure the surprise is genuinely unexpected. Alternatives like ""a genuine shock"" or ""an unexpected delight"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a genuine shock

Emphasizes the feeling of shock associated with the surprise, implying a more intense reaction.

a complete revelation

Highlights the revelatory aspect of the surprise, focusing on the unveiling of something previously unknown.

a real eye-opener

Indicates that the surprise led to a significant realization or change in perspective.

an unexpected delight

Frames the surprise as something positive and pleasing.

a startling discovery

Focuses on the element of finding something unexpected, which could be information or an object.

a pure astonishment

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

a sudden epiphany

Implies a moment of sudden understanding or insight, unexpectedly gained.

an unforeseen event

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the occurrence, without necessarily implying a strong emotional reaction.

a remarkable turn of events

Emphasizes the unusual and noteworthy nature of the surprise.

a total about-face

Indicates a complete reversal of expectations or previous circumstances.

FAQs

What does "a true surprise" mean?

The phrase "a true surprise" signifies something genuinely unexpected and often delightful or impactful. It emphasizes the authenticity of the surprise, distinguishing it from something merely slightly unexpected.

What can I say instead of "a true surprise"?

You can use alternatives like "a genuine shock", "a complete revelation", or "an unexpected delight" depending on the context.

How to use "a true surprise" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The unexpected win was a true surprise, defying all predictions." The phrase highlights the genuine unexpectedness of the victory.

Is "a true surprise" formal or informal?

The phrase "a true surprise" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication rather than the phrase itself.