are unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are unexpected" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically is used as an adjective phrase to describe something that was not expected or anticipated. For example, "The outcomes of the election were unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The elements are unexpected.

The New York Times

There are unexpected events every year".

The New York Times

"Sure, there are unexpected delays," she said.

The New York Times

MANY things in life are unexpected.

The Economist

Obstetric crises are unexpected and random.

Stanford University

The results, say others, are unexpected.

The Guardian

Her stories are unexpected in unexpected ways.

The Guardian - Books

And there are unexpected plot twists throughout.

The New York Times

There are unexpected echoes of contemporary debates.

The New York Times - Books

The combinations of color are unexpected.

The New York Times - Style

The depths of the grief are unexpected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are unexpected", ensure that the context clearly establishes what the expected outcome was. This provides a stronger contrast and highlights the element of surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "are unexpected" as a generic descriptor without providing context. Instead, specify what was expected or the basis for the unexpectedness. Without this context, the phrase loses its impact and can seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are unexpected" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe its quality of being surprising or unforeseen. Ludwig's examples show its common use in diverse contexts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

22%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are unexpected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase that indicates something was not anticipated or predicted. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. With a wide range of applications across diverse contexts like News & Media, Academia and Science, it serves to emphasize a deviation from expectation. To use it effectively, ensure the context clearly establishes what outcome was anticipated. Alternatives such as "are unforeseen", "are surprising", and "are unpredicted" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Remember to avoid overuse without context, and specify the basis for the unexpectedness to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are unforeseen

Focuses on the inability to see the event coming.

are unanticipated

Emphasizes the lack of prior anticipation.

are unpredicted

Stresses the absence of prediction or forecasting.

are surprising

Highlights the element of surprise caused by the event.

are unpredictable

Highlights the inherent inability to foresee the events.

are abrupt

Focuses on the suddenness of the events.

are sudden

Similar to "are abrupt", but can apply to a broader range of events.

are random

Highlights the lack of pattern or predictability.

are chance

Emphasizes the role of chance or luck.

are coincidental

Indicates that events occur together by coincidence.

FAQs

How can I use "are unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "are unexpected" to describe results, events, or outcomes that deviate from what was predicted or anticipated. For example, "The election results "are unexpected" given the pre-election polls."

What's the difference between "are unexpected" and "are unforeseen"?

"Are unexpected" implies a deviation from an anticipated outcome, while "are unforeseen" suggests that the event was not predictable or imaginable in advance. The former focuses on surprise, while the latter focuses on a lack of foresight.

What can I say instead of ""are unexpected""?

Alternatives to ""are unexpected"" include "are surprising", "are unanticipated", or "are unpredicted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use "are unexpected"?

"Are unexpected" is suitable in various contexts, including academic research, news reports, and general writing, to highlight outcomes that differ from expectations. It is particularly effective when emphasizing the contrast between anticipation and reality.