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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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as surprised as

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We're as surprised as anybody".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Believe me, no one is as surprised as me.

We're as surprised as anybody at the result".

News & Media

Independent

"I'm just as surprised as everybody else is," O'Meara said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Madonna, uninjured, seemed just as surprised as we were.

"He was just as surprised as anyone else," she said.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was as surprised as anybody that people seemed to like it".

News & Media

The New York Times

The ladies, I'm told, will be just as surprised as you are.

News & Media

The New Yorker

In a telephone interview, she said she was "as surprised as anyone" about the casting.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was just as surprised as the viewer.

News & Media

Forbes

Seriously, we're just as surprised as you are.

News & Media

TechCrunch
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as surprised as" to express a shared feeling of astonishment or unexpectedness. Ensure the comparison is clear and the subject of surprise is well-defined.

Common error

Avoid using "as surprised as" without a clear reference point for comparison. Always specify who or what the subject is equally surprised as to maintain clarity.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as surprised as" functions as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements that share a similar level of surprise. It allows for comparisons between individuals, groups, or even oneself and a general expectation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as surprised as" is a comparative conjunction phrase used to express shared astonishment or unexpectedness. Ludwig's analysis shows the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's essential to maintain a clear reference point for comparison. Alternatives include "equally astonished by" or "just as shocked by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. According to Ludwig, it is a common phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "as surprised as" in a sentence?

Use "as surprised as" to indicate that someone's level of surprise is equal to another person's or a general expectation. For example, "I was "as surprised as" anyone when I heard the news".

What are some alternatives to "as surprised as"?

Alternatives include "equally astonished by", "just as shocked by", or "no less amazed by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "I'm as surprised as him" or "I'm as surprised as he is"?

While "I'm as surprised as him" is commonly used, "I'm as surprised as he is" is grammatically more correct because it completes the comparison with the verb 'is'. Using 'him' is acceptable in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "as surprised as" and "taken aback"?

"As surprised as" indicates a comparative level of surprise, whereas "taken aback" suggests a sudden shock or bewilderment. They are similar, but "taken aback" implies a more immediate reaction.

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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: