as unexpected as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as unexpected as" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare the level of unexpectedness of two different events or situations. Example: "The news of her sudden resignation was as unexpected as a snowstorm in July."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's as unexpected as the squeegee scene.

The Guardian

"The new forms are as unexpected as they are beautiful".

The New York Times

Life here is as unexpected as the forest.

The New York Times - Travel

His magazine is as unexpected as a tumbleweed.

The New Yorker

It was superbly photographed and as unexpected as a Harold Bloom treatise in Field & Stream.

The New York Times - Magazine

She's considering choices as unexpected as piano study at that classical citadel, the Juilliard School.

The New York Times - Arts

Their effect is as unexpected as opening a beaded purse and finding a cell phone.

The New York Times - Arts

His reactions to his violent surroundings are as unexpected as his observations.

The New Yorker

When his opportunity finally arose, it was as unexpected as Kamara's move to New England.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Hahn's punch off the bench was as unexpected as it was necessary.

The New York Times - Sports

On the other was the reaction of the people, taking to the streets in their millions, as unexpected as it was inspiring.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as unexpected as" to draw a comparison between two surprising events or situations. This helps to emphasize the degree to which something was unforeseen.

Common error

Avoid using "as unexpected as" when you're not making a direct comparison. If you simply want to state that something was surprising, use a more direct phrase like "it was unexpected" or "surprisingly" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as unexpected as" functions primarily as a comparative conjunction, linking two elements that share a similar degree of surprise or unforeseen nature. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this construction effectively draws parallels between unexpected occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as unexpected as" serves as a comparative conjunction, highlighting the surprising nature of an event by likening it to another equally unforeseen occurrence. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "just as surprising as" exist, "as unexpected as" retains its effectiveness in emphasizing the degree of surprise. To use it effectively, ensure that a genuine comparison is being made, avoiding its use in singular, non-comparative contexts. This ensures clarity and precision in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just as surprising as

Changes the adjective from "unexpected" to "surprising", emphasizing the element of surprise.

as unpredicted as

Directly states the lack of prediction for the event.

equally unforeseen as

Replaces "unexpected" with "unforeseen", highlighting the lack of anticipation.

as unanticipated as

Similar to "unpredicted", but emphasizes the lack of prior anticipation or planning.

every bit as surprising as

Adds emphasis to the surprise element, indicating an equal level of unexpectedness.

no less startling than

Substitutes "unexpected" with "startling", focusing on the shock or surprise caused.

quite as astonishing as

Uses "astonishing" to convey a higher degree of surprise or amazement.

just as out of the blue as

Emphasizes the sudden and unpredicted nature of the event.

as much of a shock as

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact of the unexpected event.

as contrary to expectations as

Highlights the conflict between the event and what was anticipated.

FAQs

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

Use "as unexpected as" to compare two surprising events or situations, for instance, "His sudden departure was "as unexpected as" a snowstorm in July."

What are some alternatives to "as unexpected as"?

You can use alternatives like "just as surprising as", "equally unforeseen as", or "no less startling than" to convey a similar meaning.

Which is more appropriate, "as unexpected as" or "unexpectedly"?

"As unexpected as" is used for comparisons, while "unexpectedly" is an adverb used to describe how something happened in an unforeseen manner. For example, "He arrived unexpectedly".

Is "as unanticipated as" similar in meaning to "as unexpected as"?

Yes, "as unanticipated as" is a synonym for "as unexpected as". Both describe something that was not foreseen or predicted.