elicit surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elicit surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or event that causes someone to feel surprised or astonished. Example: "The magician's final trick was designed to elicit surprise from the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But she said it should not elicit surprise.

The New York Times

This paper reports on strategies industrial designers use when attempting to elicit surprise.

Design Studies

The most famous of Erwitt's images elicit surprise, even when viewed for the umpteenth time.

The New Yorker

Such diversity is not unusual, Dent says, "but it still seems to elicit surprise in parts of the country".

The New York Times - Books

The constantly changing images behind the logo are also intended to elicit surprise, said Ms. Wilson and Jordan Crane, creative director at Wolff Olins New York.

The New York Times

Raising this question may elicit surprise from students and parents.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Stahl says this study doesn't show for certain that eliciting surprise is the best way to make a baby learn something new across the board.

The Washington Post

And entering Mexico elicits surprise as well from the American inspectors who now regularly stop southbound cars, looking for gun traffickers and money launderers.

The New York Times

According to the researchers, givers seemed to be interested in eliciting surprise or joy from receivers, perhaps losing touch with the longer-term benefits of a gift enjoyment over time, not just in the moment.

University of California, Berkeley

All but the last fifteen seconds of each run (which lasts about two minutes) was visible to us only on a giant TV screen, but each split-time elicited surprise, some of it joyful, some of it pained, and every time the racer came into view, rocketing over a pair of jumps, the crowd went berserk, as though the switch from Jumbotron avatar to real live person was a fresh miracle, some bit of sorcery.

The New Yorker

I have made this assertion many times, eliciting surprise if not mystification since lupus, the main focus of my research, and gout seem polar opposites.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "elicit surprise", ensure that the context clearly indicates the source or cause of the surprise. For instance, specify what action, event, or piece of information is intended to "elicit surprise".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly linking the subject that "elicits surprise" to the intended audience or recipient. Vague connections can diminish the impact and clarity of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elicit surprise" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It describes the action of causing or evoking a feeling of surprise in someone or something.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "elicit surprise" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes the act of causing or evoking a feeling of surprise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-regarded and can be used in various contexts. While not exceptionally common, it finds its place in news, media, and scientific writing. When employing "elicit surprise", it's crucial to clearly attribute the source of surprise to avoid ambiguity and maximize the impact of your message. Alternatives like "generate astonishment" or "provoke wonder" can offer subtle variations in meaning, allowing for precise expression. Overall, mastering the nuance of "elicit surprise" can enrich your writing and enhance its communicative power.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate astonishment

Replaces "surprise" with "astonishment" and "elicit" with "generate". "Astonishment" implies a greater degree of surprise.

create astonishment

Employs "create" in place of "elicit" and "astonishment" instead of "surprise", intensifying the emotional impact.

prompt surprise

Substitutes "elicit" with "prompt", indicating a more direct and immediate causation of surprise.

spark amazement

Substitutes "elicit" with "spark" and "surprise" with "amazement", indicating a strong sense of wonder.

instill astonishment

Uses "instill" instead of "elicit" and "astonishment" instead of "surprise", conveying a deeper, more profound reaction.

provoke wonder

Uses "provoke" instead of "elicit", and "wonder" as a substitute for "surprise". "Wonder" suggests a mix of surprise and admiration.

draw forth surprise

Replaces "elicit" with "draw forth", giving a more descriptive image of extracting the surprise from something.

вызвать удивление

Direct translation of "elicit surprise" into Russian. Changes the language.

foster surprise

Replaces "elicit" with "foster", which suggests nurturing or encouraging surprise.

occasion surprise

Replaces "elicit" with "occasion", suggesting that something leads to surprise.

FAQs

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

You can use "elicit surprise" to describe something that causes a feeling of surprise. For example, "The magician's trick was intended to elicit surprise from the audience."

What are some alternatives to "elicit surprise"?

Some alternatives include "generate astonishment", "provoke wonder", or "spark amazement". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "elicit surprise" or "cause surprise"?

"Elicit surprise" implies a more intentional or calculated effort to produce surprise, while "cause surprise" is a more general statement that something resulted in surprise. The choice depends on the intended nuance.

Which emotions can "elicit", besides surprise?

"Elicit" can be used with various emotions, such as joy, anger, fear, or sadness. It means to draw out or evoke a particular response. For example, "The sad movie elicited tears from the audience."