as surprising as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as surprising as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of surprise between two different subjects or situations. Example: "The news of her promotion was as surprising as the sudden change in weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

His reappearance in the story is something of a surprise, but not as surprising as how he has changed.

The New York Times - Books

That may not be as surprising as it seems.

The New York Times

His reaction was as surprising as it was polite.

The New York Times

As surprising as that was, she said, it made sense.

The New York Times

(Their early success had been as surprising as Fuld's).

The New Yorker

That's not as surprising as experts may suggest.

The Guardian - Opinion

The choice was not as surprising as it might seem.

The New York Times

His sudden embrace of serious painting is not as surprising as it may seem.

The New York Times - Arts

Nadal was now playing in some parallel universe, his mistakes as surprising as his winners.

The Guardian - Sport

But perhaps, when digging a little deeper, not as surprising as it first seems.

The Guardian - Books

His moments of decency and compassion are as surprising as his episodes of ruthlessness.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as surprising as" to draw a direct comparison between two unexpected events or situations, enhancing the impact of the surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "as surprising as" when not making a direct comparison. Ensure you're using it to equate the level of surprise between two distinct subjects or situations, not as a standalone descriptor. For example, instead of saying 'The event was as surprising as,' specify what it was comparable to: 'The event was "as surprising as" a sudden snowstorm in July.'

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as surprising as" functions primarily as a comparative adjective phrase. It's used to equate the level of surprise between two different subjects or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English for making such comparisons.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as surprising as" is a comparative adjective phrase used to equate the level of surprise between two subjects. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage, particularly in the News & Media context. While grammatically sound and versatile, it's important to use it in comparative contexts and avoid standalone usage. Related phrases, such as "just as astonishing as" or "no less unexpected than", offer subtle variations in emphasis. Overall, the phrase is a valuable tool for conveying unexpectedness with impact and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as astonishing as

Emphasizes the level of astonishment being equal.

equally as startling as

Highlights the startle factor with comparable intensity.

no less unexpected than

Focuses on the lack of expectation, maintaining a similar negative framing.

as remarkable as

Stresses the noteworthiness of the event, maintaining a sense of wonder.

as unforeseen as

Highlights the lack of anticipation regarding the event.

as astounding as

Emphasizes the incredible or bewildering nature of the event.

quite as shocking as

Focuses on the element of shock or surprise induced by the situation.

just as stunning as

Emphasizes the striking or impressive nature of the surprising event.

as much of a shock as

Highlights the impact of the surprising element.

as out of the blue as

Highlights the unexpected element and that there was no warning at all about the event.

FAQs

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

Use "as surprising as" to compare two unexpected things. For example, "His sudden resignation was "as surprising as" a lottery win".

What are some alternatives to "as surprising as"?

Alternatives include "just as astonishing as", "equally as startling as", or "no less unexpected than", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say 'surprising as' instead of "as surprising as"?

While 'surprising as' can be used, it's typically part of a clause like 'Surprising as it may seem'. "As surprising as" is used for direct comparisons.

What's the difference between "as surprising as" and "unexpected"?

"Unexpected" simply means not anticipated. "As surprising as" implies a comparison to something else that is also unexpected, highlighting a similar level of astonishment.