big surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "big surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express astonishment or unexpectedness in various contexts, often in informal communication. Example: "When she walked in with the cake, it was a big surprise for everyone at the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Big surprise.

The New York Times

Big surprise there.

University of California, Berkeley

That's one big surprise.

Independent

"Their big surprise.

The New Yorker

This was a big surprise.

The Economist

And that's the big surprise.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It is a big surprise.

The New York Times

This isn't a big surprise".

The New York Times

That's a big surprise.

The Guardian - Sport

Big surprise, huh?

The Guardian

Or the Big Surprise.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary. While "big surprise" is common, alternatives like "utter astonishment" or "major revelation" can add nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "big surprise" excessively in your writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Strive for variety in your expressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "big surprise" primarily functions as an interjection or a noun phrase. It expresses a reaction to something unexpected or astonishing. Ludwig AI confirms its use to convey surprise, often with an undertone of irony or sarcasm, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "big surprise" is a commonly used phrase to express astonishment or irony, confirmed as correct by Ludwig AI. It appears most frequently in news and media and academia, showing its versatility across different types of sources. While generally acceptable, using alternatives can prevent redundancy and add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete shock

Highlights the element of disbelief and astonishment.

real shocker

Informal way to refer to an unexpected event.

major revelation

Emphasizes the significance and impact of the unexpected event.

quite a discovery

Highlights the importance of something being discovered unexpectedly.

startling discovery

Highlights the revealing of something previously unknown.

utter astonishment

Stresses the extreme level of surprise and wonder.

eye-opener

Highlights the revealing of something previously unknown or misunderstood.

unexpected turn of events

Focuses on the deviation from the anticipated course.

who would have thought

Rhetorical way to express astonishment at an unforeseen circumstance.

sudden awakening

Implies a realization that abruptly changes one's perception.

FAQs

How can I use "big surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "big surprise" to express astonishment or irony, as in "It was a "big surprise" when she announced her resignation" or "Big surprise, the project is over budget again".

What can I say instead of "big surprise"?

You can use alternatives like "complete shock", "major revelation", or "utter astonishment" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "big surprise" in formal writing?

While "big surprise" is widely understood, it leans towards informal usage. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "unexpected development" or "significant revelation".

What's the difference between "big surprise" and "great surprise"?

Both "big surprise" and "great surprise" convey a sense of unexpectedness, but "big surprise" often carries a stronger connotation of astonishment or even irony, while "great surprise" suggests a more positive or delightful unexpected event.