at a surprising scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a surprising scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs or is observed in an unexpected or unusually large extent or magnitude. Example: "The project was completed at a surprising scale, exceeding all initial expectations and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But beyond this political stalemate, the illegal activity continues at a surprising scale.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A surprising scale effect related to the ratio of widths of SS and SM interfaces is found: it suppresses barrierless IMs but allows IMs to be kept at much lower temperatures even for kE<2.

Acta Materialia

Sara Mearns is another dancer almost impossible to categorize, and while she was ravishing in nearly everything she danced this season, it was again a piece by Mr. Martins that showed her at a surprising peak of expansive, large-scale dancing.

The New York Times - Arts

In particular, "the technology for storing electricity in lithium-ion batteries has advanced at a surprising rate recently and could become economical on a larger scale in the next decade".

Huffington Post

Denmark, known as an environmental trailblazer, comes in at a surprising 32nd place.

The New York Times - Science

Startups are moving to the city at a surprising rate.

TechCrunch

But unrest has been spreading at a surprising rate.

Huffington Post

One of the surprising things about these new editions is that, although some of the photographs are reproduced at a smaller scale, the way they are presented makes you look at the images differently.

The Guardian - Arts

And you participated in conversations at a global scale, uploading videos to share ideas on everything from nonprofit campaigns, to political satire, to new and surprising voices and talents.

Huffington Post

At a smaller scale additional partitioning occurs.

Wikipedia

Perhaps at a small scale.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a surprising scale" to highlight an unexpected or unusually large extent of something, making sure the context clearly establishes what is being measured or evaluated.

Common error

Avoid using "at a surprising scale" when describing something that is simply surprising in nature but not necessarily large in extent. Ensure the 'scale' aspect is relevant and quantifiable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a surprising scale" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the extent or magnitude of an action or phenomenon. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a surprising scale" is used to describe something occurring or observed with unexpected or unusually large magnitude. While grammatically correct and usable, as Ludwig AI indicates, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase finds primary application in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what is being measured or evaluated for scale, and that the scale is, in fact, surprising. Alternatives such as "on an unexpected level" or "to an astonishing degree" may be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on an unexpected level

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the level achieved.

to an astonishing degree

Emphasizes the high degree or extent of something.

to a remarkable extent

Highlights the noteworthy extent or degree.

with unforeseen magnitude

Stresses the magnitude being beyond what was anticipated.

on an impressive scale

Emphasizes the impressiveness of the scale.

at an unanticipated size

Highlights the unexpected size or scope.

in surprisingly large proportions

Focuses on the unexpectedly large proportions.

beyond all expectations

Stresses that something has exceeded all anticipated limits.

in an unexpectedly vast manner

Emphasizes the unexpected and extensive manner.

on a surprisingly grand scope

Highlights the unexpectedly large and impressive scope.

FAQs

How can I use "at a surprising scale" in a sentence?

Use "at a surprising scale" to describe something that occurs or is observed in an unexpected or unusually large extent or magnitude. For example, "The project was completed "at a surprising scale", exceeding all initial expectations and resources."

What can I say instead of "at a surprising scale"?

You can use alternatives like "on an unexpected level", "to an astonishing degree", or "to a remarkable extent" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "at a surprising scale"?

While "surprising" can imply a deviation from the norm, "scale" adds a specific dimension of unexpected magnitude or extent. The combination isn't inherently redundant if the scale itself is what's surprising.

Which is correct, "at a surprising scale" or "on a surprising scale"?

Both "at a surprising scale" and "on a surprising scale" can be grammatically correct, but "at" emphasizes a specific point or level, while "on" implies a broader or more general surface or plane. The best choice depends on the specific context you are describing.