came as a complete surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "came as a complete surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an unexpected event or revelation that took someone by surprise. Example: "The news of her promotion came as a complete surprise to everyone in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

This came as a complete surprise.

The New York Times

"The result came as a complete surprise to us.

Independent

"This came as a complete surprise to us".

The New York Times

It came as a complete surprise, and raises a series of questions.

Independent

All across the Pacific every meal came as a complete surprise.

The New Yorker

The discovery of the tracking software came as a complete surprise, he said.

The New York Times

"David's death came as a complete surprise, as did nearly everything else about him.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The sale came as a complete surprise to almost all of the Post staff, and stunned the US media world.

The Guardian

This came as a complete surprise even to most people who work in the S.E.C.'s enforcement division.

The New Yorker

Mr. Fox said that this use of his name came as a complete surprise.

The New York Times

The redesign came as a complete surprise, as word of the proposal had not been leaked.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "came as a complete surprise" to add emphasis when describing an event that not only defied expectations, but also caused a notable reaction. It's more impactful than simply stating something was unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "came as a complete surprise" for minor or easily foreseeable events. Overusing it dilutes its impact and can make your writing sound exaggerated. Reserve it for truly unexpected situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came as a complete surprise" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the subject's state or nature. It indicates that something was unexpected, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "came as a complete surprise" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to describe something unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly establishes what was expected to maximize its impact and avoid overuse in predictable situations. Consider alternatives like ""was entirely unexpected"" or ""took me completely by surprise"" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was entirely unexpected

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation or expectation.

took me completely by surprise

Highlights the personal impact and element of shock.

was a total shock

Focuses on the abrupt and startling nature of the event.

was quite astonishing

Stresses the surprising and remarkable nature of the event.

was wholly unanticipated

Emphasizes that the event was not foreseen at all.

was utterly unforeseen

Similar to 'wholly unanticipated', stressing the lack of foresight.

arrived out of the blue

Suggests the event occurred suddenly and without warning.

was beyond expectation

Highlights the event exceeding what was anticipated.

was a bolt from the blue

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the occurrence, similar to 'arrived out of the blue'.

was far from expected

Indicates the event was not only unexpected but also quite different from what was anticipated.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "came as a complete surprise"?

You can use alternatives such as "was entirely unexpected", "took me completely by surprise", or "was a total shock" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "came as a complete surprise"?

Yes, "came as a complete surprise" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe something that was unexpected.

What does "came as a complete surprise" mean?

The phrase "came as a complete surprise" means that something was entirely unexpected and not anticipated in any way. It implies a sense of shock or astonishment.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "came as a complete surprise"?

It's appropriate to use "came as a complete surprise" when describing an event, piece of news, or revelation that was genuinely unexpected and deviated significantly from what was anticipated.