considerable surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerable surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a significant level of astonishment or unexpectedness regarding a situation or event. Example: "The announcement of the merger came as a considerable surprise to the employees, who had not anticipated such a major change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

The other world record was also a considerable surprise.

The New York Times - Arts

These samples have already yielded a considerable surprise.

The Guardian

He has taken Phil Hughes's spot in the rotation, and been a considerable surprise.

The New York Times - Sports

After some thought and with considerable surprise I had to answer that there weren't any.

The New York Times - Travel

This bid was a considerable surprise to East, who had to pass.

The New York Times - Arts

So it's with considerable surprise that I have had to admit that acupuncture works for me.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

There is no doubt, though, that when he let his actors loose on the set, there were considerable surprises in store.

The Guardian

But it was unusual in the extraordinary secrecy with which it was carried out and, as a result, in the considerable amount of surprise it generated.

The New York Times

And then there is the Byrd, as in Paul, the veteran Cleveland right-hander of modest reputation who, to a considerable amount of surprise, has shut down the Yankees and Red Sox in successive postseason starts.

The New York Times - Sports

The sudden execution of the country's second-most senior statesman, North Korean groups here say, has created a considerable amount of "surprise, bafflement" and "fear".

BBC

"If we're going to arrest someone, there's a considerable element of surprise.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerable surprise" to convey a notable degree of unexpectedness, often implying a reaction stronger than a simple "surprise".

Common error

While grammatically correct, repeatedly using "considerable surprise" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler expressions like "big surprise" or "quite a shock" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable surprise" functions as a noun phrase, where "considerable" modifies the noun "surprise". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is typically used to describe a situation or event that causes a significant degree of astonishment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "considerable surprise" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey a significant degree of astonishment or unexpectedness. Ludwig AI indicates its versatility, supported by numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While generally appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, using simpler alternatives like "big surprise" may be preferable in casual conversation. To effectively use this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a substantial degree of surprise and consider the context to avoid sounding overly formal. Remember, "considerable surprise" is best suited when you want to emphasize that the unexpectedness was particularly noteworthy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

great astonishment

Emphasizes the intensity of the surprise.

significant astonishment

Focuses on the notable degree of surprise.

immense astonishment

Highlights the magnitude of the surprise.

major shock

Highlights the impact and unexpectedness of the event.

profound shock

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the surprise.

complete shock

Suggests a total and unexpected event.

real astonishment

Highlights authenticity of the feeling.

utter amazement

Stresses the complete and profound surprise.

unmitigated astonishment

Underscores the pure and unadulterated surprise.

extreme bewilderment

Indicates confusion and surprise combined.

FAQs

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

You can use "considerable surprise" to describe a situation that caused significant astonishment. For example, "The news of his sudden resignation came as a "considerable surprise" to everyone in the office."

What can I say instead of "considerable surprise"?

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

Is it correct to say "a considerable surprise to" or "a considerable surprise for"?

The correct usage is "a "considerable surprise" to" someone. The preposition "to" indicates the recipient of the surprise.

What's the difference between "slight surprise" and "considerable surprise"?

"Slight surprise" indicates a minor degree of unexpectedness, whereas ""considerable surprise"" suggests a much stronger feeling of astonishment and unexpectedness.