but surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but surprise" is not standard in written English and may be confusing without context.
It could be used in a context where you are introducing an unexpected twist or revelation, but it is better to provide more clarity. Example: "I thought I had everything planned out, but surprise, the event was canceled last minute."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

But — surprise!

The New York Times

But surprise, fashionistas: The items are used.

The Washington Post

My first thought wasn't gratitude but surprise.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But, surprise, it's not what they're doing.

The New York Times

But surprise — their learning ability went down!

The New York Times

But surprise is inherent in these unscripted, high-stakes events.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

But surprises came there none.

BBC

Mossberg seems not only exasperated, but surprised.

Forbes

I was happy to win, but surprised".

Los Angeles Times

But--surprise--we proved to be a holdout again.

Huffington Post

But -- surprise -- so does Hermès, the super-stylish French silk and saddle leather merchant.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but surprise" sparingly in formal writing; consider more sophisticated alternatives like "however, unexpectedly" or "contrary to expectations" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "but surprise" repeatedly, as it can make your writing sound informal and repetitive. Vary your language to keep the reader engaged and demonstrate a broader vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but surprise" functions as a discourse marker to introduce an unexpected or contrasting element. As indicated by Ludwig, it signals a shift from what was previously stated or anticipated. The phrase often precedes a clause that presents a surprising outcome or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science

0.5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but surprise" is a common phrase used to introduce an unexpected twist or revelation. Ludwig AI notes that while grammatically acceptable, its use should be tempered in formal writing in favor of more sophisticated alternatives. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, and maintains a generally Neutral register. The prevalence of this phrase and its variations across numerous authoritative sources underscores its role in highlighting unforeseen circumstances and adding emphasis to narrative shifts. It's crucial to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use "but surprise" or opt for a more formal equivalent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, unexpectedly

Replaces the informal "surprise" with a more formal adverb, suitable for professional contexts.

yet, surprisingly

Substitutes "but" and "surprise" with synonyms to convey a similar meaning of unexpectedness.

contrary to expectations

Introduces a formal tone and elaborates on the unexpected nature of the situation.

to my astonishment

Emphasizes the speaker's personal surprise and adds an emotional layer.

against all odds

Highlights the improbability of the outcome, adding drama and impact.

as it turns out

Offers a more casual way to reveal an unexpected development.

who would have thought

Poses a rhetorical question, inviting the audience to share in the surprise.

little did I know

Sets up a narrative where the speaker was initially unaware of the impending surprise.

it may seem strange, but

Signals that what follows might seem odd or counterintuitive.

of all things

Highlights the unexpectedness by emphasizing the unlikelihood of what happened.

FAQs

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

"But surprise" is typically used to introduce an unexpected twist or revelation. For example: "I thought I had everything planned out, but surprise, the event was canceled last minute."

What can I say instead of "but surprise"?

You can use alternatives like "however unexpectedly", "yet surprisingly", or "contrary to expectations" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but"?

Starting a sentence with "but" is grammatically acceptable and widely used to introduce a contrast or unexpected element. Many style guides support this usage, particularly in informal writing.

Which is correct, "but surprise" or "but surprisingly"?

Both phrases can be used, but they have slightly different effects. "But surprise" is more informal and direct, while "but surprisingly" is more formal and descriptive. The choice depends on the desired tone and context.