an unexpected environment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unexpected environment" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a setting or situation that is surprising or not anticipated, often in contexts related to experiences, research, or storytelling. Example: "When I arrived at the conference, I found myself in an unexpected environment filled with innovative ideas and diverse perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Admittedly, this worked out rather nicely because I ended up doing a job in the field that I was interested in, just in an unexpected environment.

The Guardian

He has made a very big statement about an alternative way to use 3D technology, incorporating that technology with his usual interest in language and philosophy... let's put it in an unexpected environment.

The Guardian - Film

(David Rooney Leoeo' (in previews; opens on Sunday) Mixing acrobatics, physical theater, dance, stage design and technology, this genre-defying show places its title character in an unexpected environment in which he is forced to defy the laws of gravity.

The New York Times

(Rooney) 'Leo' (previews start on Friday; opens on Jan . 15 Mixing acrobatics, physical theater, dance, stage design and technology, this genre-defying show places its title character in an unexpected environment in which he is forced to defy the laws of gravity.

The New York Times

However, whether the sensitivity would degrade due to exposure to actual solar radiation for 5 years in an unexpected environment was still unknown.

Earth, Planets and Space

But, what happens when text or spoken word is introduced into an unexpected environment?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"This is really inserting them into a new and unexpected environment," Kate Fox, the national program manager for Casting for Recovery, said of the participants.

The New York Times

In this manner, the mice were continuously exposed to a totally new and unexpected environment during all the experiment.

Plosone

But perhaps the most unexpected environment of all is taking shape there now: a dizzying multipolygonal habitat of reflective stainless steel and acrylic.

The New York Times - Arts

In the suggested heuristic approach, we focus on problems where a particular environment is expected when the system will be in operation (the others being unexpected environments).

European Journal of Operational Research

Photo Artist Rosemary Laing Stages Cinematic Scenes in Unexpected Environments.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unexpected environment" to create a sense of surprise or contrast, drawing the reader's attention to the unusual or out-of-place nature of a setting. For example, describing a formal gala taking place in a rustic barn highlights the contrast and generates interest.

Common error

Avoid using "an unexpected environment" when the setting is already implied as unusual. Overusing it in such contexts can diminish its impact. Instead, focus on specific details to illustrate the environment's unexpected nature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unexpected environment" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "environment". It typically acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, as shown in Ludwig's examples. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unexpected environment" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a surprising or unanticipated setting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not extremely common, it finds use across various contexts, including News & Media and Science. It's important to wield it with intent, ensuring that the unexpected nature of the environment isn't already implied and that you’re adding impactful detail to your writing. Related phrases such as "a surprising setting" or "an unforeseen backdrop" can provide alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surprising setting

Focuses on the setting itself being the surprising element, changing the emphasis from the environment in general.

an unforeseen backdrop

Highlights the background or context as being unanticipated, suggesting a more visual or theatrical aspect.

an unusual circumstance

Shifts the focus to the circumstances or situation, rather than the physical environment.

an unanticipated locale

Replaces "environment" with "locale", emphasizing a specific place that was not expected.

a novel situation

Emphasizes the newness or originality of the situation, rather than the surprise element of the environment.

an atypical context

Replaces "environment" with "context", highlighting the surrounding circumstances or conditions that are not typical.

an unprecedented scenario

Stresses the lack of prior occurrence, indicating the situation is entirely new and unmatched.

an unfamiliar habitat

Highlights the lack of familiarity of the setting, often used in a biological or ecological sense.

an unpredicted location

Focuses on the element of the situation that it was not predicted or expected to take place in this location.

an unconventional space

Emphasizes the setting is not following the standard form or rules. Often used in the context of art or design.

FAQs

How can I use "an unexpected environment" in a sentence?

You can use "an unexpected environment" to describe a setting or situation that is surprising or not anticipated. For instance: "The artist showcased her sculptures in "an unexpected environment", a repurposed industrial warehouse."

What are some alternatives to "an unexpected environment"?

Alternatives include "a surprising setting", "an unforeseen backdrop", or "an unusual circumstance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "an unexpected environment"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the contrast between what is typically expected and the actual setting or circumstances. It adds emphasis to the element of surprise or novelty.

Is there a difference between "an unexpected environment" and "an unconventional space"?

While similar, "an unexpected environment" generally refers to any surprising setting, whereas "an unconventional space" specifically suggests a deviation from traditional or standard layouts or uses of a particular area.