but unexpectedly

USAGE SUMMARY

'but unexpectedly' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to express the surprise that comes with an event or occurrence. For example, "I had planned to visit my friends this weekend, but unexpectedly, they decided to come to me instead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But unexpectedly hilarious.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Quite fun but unexpectedly bland too.

The Guardian

In S. cerevisiae, PfAQP mediated glycerol transport but unexpectedly water transport could not be confirmed.

Protein Expression and Purification

But unexpectedly yesterday, the group was evacuated after their guards were disarmed.

Independent

But, unexpectedly, the frequencies of the dam water foundation model are higher than those of the dam foundation model.

Engineering Structures

But, unexpectedly, history may also end up vindicating Dylan's Newport opponents.

The Guardian - Music

The baby was planned but, unexpectedly, I had to take my maternity leave without pay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But unexpectedly, evolution of chemical defences also increases extinction rates -- even above the rate of speciation.

The Guardian

Best Book about an obscure Scottish sportsman A niche but unexpectedly competitive category.

The Guardian - Books

But, unexpectedly, it did not find that that Russia had abused its legal system to destroy the company.

The Economist

She successfully fought various ailments over the past years, but unexpectedly died at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center during heart surgery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but unexpectedly" to introduce a contrast or surprising element following an initial statement or expectation. This helps to create emphasis and highlight the unexpected nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "but unexpectedly" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms or rephrasing the sentence to convey surprise more subtly. Also, ensure that the "but" is necessary; sometimes, "unexpectedly" alone suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but unexpectedly" functions as a transitional phrase introducing an element of surprise or contrast. As Ludwig AI confirms, it highlights a deviation from what was initially expected. Examples show its use in both formal and informal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

38%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but unexpectedly" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a surprising or contrasting element in a sentence. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various writing styles. It's frequently found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, making it a common choice for expressing unforeseen outcomes. When using this phrase, remember to consider whether the "but" adds emphasis or if "unexpectedly" alone is sufficient. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "however, surprisingly" or "contrary to expectations". The phrase is widely used across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, solidifying its place in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

however, surprisingly

Replaces "but unexpectedly" with synonyms for both conjunction and unexpectedness, maintaining a similar flow.

yet, to my surprise

Emphasizes the speaker's surprise, offering a more personal perspective than "but unexpectedly".

contrary to expectations

Highlights the contrast between what was anticipated and what actually happened.

against all odds

Suggests a situation where the outcome was highly improbable, adding a layer of difficulty.

in an unforeseen turn of events

Provides a more dramatic and descriptive way to introduce an unexpected occurrence.

as it turns out, surprisingly

Adds a sense of discovery and revelation to the unexpected nature of the event.

who would have thought

Expresses astonishment and disbelief at the unexpected outcome.

it was a shock, but

Directly states the shocking nature of the event, emphasizing the emotional impact.

unbelievably

Highlights the incredulity associated with the unexpected event, focusing on its unlikelihood.

to my astonishment

Focuses on the speaker's personal astonishment, similar to "yet, to my surprise", but with a different tone.

FAQs

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

Use "but unexpectedly" to introduce a surprising or contrasting element after an initial statement. For example, "I planned to stay home, "but unexpectedly", I received a call inviting me to a party."

What are some alternatives to "but unexpectedly"?

You can use alternatives such as "however, surprisingly", "yet, to my surprise", or "contrary to expectations" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to use both "but" and "unexpectedly" together?

While it can sometimes be redundant, using "but unexpectedly" often emphasizes the contrast and surprise more strongly. Evaluate whether the "but" adds value or if "unexpectedly" alone is sufficient.

What's the difference between "but unexpectedly" and "surprisingly"?

"Surprisingly" can stand alone to introduce an unexpected element. "But unexpectedly" typically follows an initial statement and introduces a contrast, highlighting the deviation from the expected outcome.