coming out of the blue

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming out of the blue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that was unexpected or surprising. For example: I received a call from my old friend coming out of the blue this morning.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I had become so caught up in Hollywood nonsense that I couldn't imagine an idea coming out of the blue like that.

The New York Times

We have a myth of a brilliant idea coming out of the blue to a single, unique mind, rather than rewarding hard work, care, collaboration, and taking the time to get things right.

Forbes

"It is not coming out of the blue".

The New York Times

Mr. Roberts's ideas are not coming out of the blue, but the blues.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're not coming out of the blue here," said Peter Schirovsky, a party member in the European Parliament.

The New York Times

"Waiting 18 years, coming out of the blue — that sounds like not necessarily the best way to handle this," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Did it come out of the blue?

The New York Times - Magazine

The Sondheim cynicism didn't come out of the blue.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor does her method "come out of the blue".

The New York Times - Science

These moves don't come out of the blue.

The New Yorker

"This success hasn't just come out of the blue.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coming out of the blue" to add vividness to your writing when describing unexpected events or ideas. It's particularly effective in narratives and descriptive passages where you want to emphasize surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "coming out of the blue" too frequently in a single piece of writing. While effective, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or cliché. Vary your language with synonyms like "unexpectedly" or "suddenly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming out of the blue" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which something occurs. Ludwig AI shows its usage in diverse contexts, providing color to descriptions of unexpected events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "coming out of the blue" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that happens unexpectedly or surprisingly. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective for adding color and emphasis, overuse should be avoided, and more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain writing styles. Related phrases like "out of nowhere" and "unexpectedly" can provide similar meaning with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of nowhere

Focuses on the sudden and unexpected appearance of something.

unexpectedly

Highlights the lack of anticipation or warning.

without warning

Emphasizes the absence of any prior indication.

all of a sudden

Indicates a rapid and abrupt change or occurrence.

out of the clear sky

Similar to the original, but uses 'clear sky' instead of 'blue'.

like a bolt from the blue

Implies a sudden shock or surprise.

unforeseen

Focuses on the inability to predict the event.

unanticipated

Similar to 'unforeseen', but with a slightly different emphasis.

from left field

Suggests something strange or unconventional.

out of the thin air

Implies something appearing with no origin.

FAQs

What does "coming out of the blue" mean?

The phrase "coming out of the blue" means something happening unexpectedly or surprisingly, without any prior indication or warning. It implies that the event was completely unforeseen.

How can I use "coming out of the blue" in a sentence?

You can use "coming out of the blue" to describe an unexpected event. For example: "The job offer "came out of the blue", as I hadn't even applied for it."

What are some alternatives to "coming out of the blue"?

Some alternatives to "coming out of the blue" include "unexpectedly", "suddenly", "out of nowhere", and "without warning". These phrases all convey a sense of surprise and lack of anticipation.

Is it appropriate to use "coming out of the blue" in formal writing?

While "coming out of the blue" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more direct and professional alternatives like "unexpectedly" or "unforeseen".