contain surprises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contain surprises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that has unexpected elements or outcomes, often in a context of excitement or intrigue. Example: "The final chapter of the book will contain surprises that will leave readers eager for more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

For a start, the jokes are good, which by definition means they contain surprises and new angles.

The Guardian

But coffins sometimes contain surprises – as when Harry Lime is dug up in Graham Greene's postwar novella The Third Man.

The Guardian - Books

Those who like their made-for-cable films to contain surprises need read no further: Mr. Barrie was acquitted.

The New York Times

The best festivals contain surprises, secret gigs arranged too hastily to appear in the printed programme, but which draw a discerning crowd, jumpy with anticipation.

The Guardian - Film

Extreme locations on Earth continue to contain surprises.

Science Magazine

The idea that some concepts are not empirical may not be surprising, although Kant's conception of the origin of such concepts—outlined in what he calls the "metaphysical deduction" (B159, B377)—may contain surprises (Longuenesse 1998).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

But it contains surprises.

The New Yorker

But the piece also contains surprises.

The New York Times

In the metaphor, a thing that looks like a horse contains surprises for your enemies.

The New Yorker

"Every manuscript contains surprises," said Shahid Mathee, part of a University of Cape Town team studying the manuscripts.

The Guardian

It certainly contains surprises: different sets pop up like pieces of toast from trapdoors and holes.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contain surprises" to build anticipation or intrigue in your writing. It's effective for describing plot twists, unexpected outcomes, or hidden aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "contain surprises" when the element of surprise is already heavily implied. Overuse can diminish the impact and make your writing seem cliché. Instead, opt for more nuanced descriptions that evoke surprise without explicitly stating it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contain surprises" functions as a predicate within a sentence, describing a characteristic or attribute of the subject. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically sound and usable in English. It signifies that something has unexpected or unforeseen elements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "contain surprises" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as verified by Ludwig AI, used to describe something possessing unexpected elements or outcomes. While not overly common, it effectively builds anticipation and intrigue, particularly in narrative and descriptive contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, according to Ludwig, its neutrality allows for broad application, though overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives like "hold unexpected elements" or "offer unexpected twists" can add nuance. Use "contain surprises" strategically to enhance your writing with elements of the unexpected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold unexpected elements

Replaces "surprises" with a more descriptive phrase, focusing on the unexpected nature of the elements.

spring surprises

Uses a more dynamic verb to describe the sudden appearance of surprises.

offer unexpected twists

Emphasizes the element of surprise as a narrative or plot device.

feature unexpected turns

Focuses on sudden or unanticipated changes in direction or outcome.

unveil unexpected features

Suggests a gradual revealing of surprises that were not initially apparent.

present unforeseen aspects

Uses more formal language to express the idea of unexpected aspects being present.

yield unanticipated results

Focuses on the outcome or consequences of something, highlighting that they were not expected.

have hidden depths

Suggests that the surprises are not immediately obvious, but require further exploration to discover.

include shocking revelations

Emphasizes the dramatic impact of the surprises, suggesting they are shocking or revealing.

conceal hidden elements

Highlights the secretive nature of the surprises, implying they are deliberately hidden.

FAQs

How can I use "contain surprises" in a sentence?

You can use "contain surprises" to describe something that has unexpected elements or outcomes. For example, "The final chapter of the book will "contain surprises" that will leave readers eager for more."

What are some alternatives to "contain surprises"?

Some alternatives to "contain surprises" include "hold unexpected elements", "offer unexpected twists", or "have hidden depths", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "contain surprises"?

Yes, the phrase "contain surprises" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

What's the difference between "contain surprises" and "hold surprises"?

The phrases "contain surprises" and "hold surprises" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. The subtle difference lies in that "contain" implies something is enclosed within, while "hold" suggests something is kept or supported.