an unexpected turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unexpected turn" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or event that changes direction in a surprising or unforeseen way. Example: "The story took an unexpected turn when the protagonist discovered the truth about their past."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Follow Then Barker on thetter.

Vice

Then came an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

Mehretu's painting took an unexpected turn.

The New Yorker

Then the case took an unexpected turn.

The New Yorker

A Shakespeare speech takes an unexpected turn.

Independent

Then the story takes an unexpected turn.

Harvard University

Then things took an unexpected turn.

The Guardian - Music

This is an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

Balal's fate then took an unexpected turn.

The Guardian

Pillow talk sometimes takes an unexpected turn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

During the trial, the jury's deliberations took an unexpected turn.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an unexpected turn" to add intrigue and highlight pivotal moments in narratives or analyses. It effectively signals a deviation from the anticipated trajectory.

Common error

Avoid using "an unexpected turn" multiple times within a short passage. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Opt for synonyms like "a surprising twist" or "an unforeseen development" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unexpected turn" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a verb. It describes a surprising or unforeseen change in events or circumstances, providing context to the situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Science

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unexpected turn" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase to denote a surprising change in events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile expression found predominantly in news and media, but also prevalent in academic and business contexts. Its primary function is to signal a deviation from the anticipated course, adding intrigue or highlighting a critical moment. While semantically rich alternatives like "a surprising twist" exist, "an unexpected turn" remains a reliable and easily understood choice for both formal and informal writing. It's important, however, to avoid overuse and maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unanticipated turn of events

Emphasizes that the unexpected change relates to a series of happenings.

a surprising twist

Emphasizes the element of surprise in the change of events.

an unforeseen twist

Combines the elements of lack of foresight and surprising nature of the event.

an unforeseen development

Highlights the lack of anticipation regarding the event's unfolding.

an unanticipated shift

Focuses on the sudden change in direction that was not predicted.

a sudden reversal

Indicates an abrupt change to the opposite direction or state.

an abrupt deviation

Stresses the sharp and noticeable departure from the expected course.

a startling alteration

Suggests the change is not only unexpected but also significantly impactful.

an unpredicted outcome

Focuses on the result being different than what was anticipated.

a surprising evolution

Implies a gradual but unexpected change over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unexpected turn" to describe a surprising change in a story, situation, or event. For example, "The investigation took "an unexpected turn" when new evidence surfaced."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "an unexpected turn"?

Some alternatives include "a surprising twist", "an unforeseen development", or "an unanticipated shift". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an unexpected turn" in formal writing?

Yes, "an unexpected turn" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a common and widely understood phrase.

What's the difference between "an unexpected turn" and "an unforeseen event"?

"An unexpected turn" typically refers to a change in the course of events, while "an unforeseen event" describes a specific incident that was not anticipated. The former implies a shift, while the latter highlights an unanticipated occurrence.