encounter unexpectedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "encounter unexpectedly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone comes across something or someone without prior warning or anticipation. Example: "While hiking in the mountains, I encountered unexpectedly a family of deer grazing near the trail."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

There is something about novels you encounter, unexpectedly, in foreign places that makes them rise above the comfortable books you curl up with at home: the thrill of discovery, and then the delight of unanticipated pleasure as a stranger becomes an intimate friend.

The Guardian - Opinion

Equally, funders may wish to contemplate how 'contingency' resources could be made available for those trials that encounter unexpectedly intense needs for PPI over the course of their implementation.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the last few months, Muslim groups have encountered unexpectedly intense opposition to their plans for opening mosques in Lower Manhattan, in Brooklyn and most recently in an empty convent on Staten Island.

The New York Times

Up to 100 al-Shabaab fighters are thought to have walked across the border into Kenya, but the pre-dawn raid on the army base at Baure, in Lamu county, encountered unexpectedly fierce resistance.

Independent

When Presidential Science Adviser John Holdren and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden unveiled President Obama's new plan for space exploration they encountered unexpectedly strong and dramatic opposition from Democrats and Republicans alike.

Huffington Post

"With my case, he never admitted that he assaulted me," said Linda Redgrave, who testified in February that Ghomeshi had interrupted a romantic encounter by unexpectedly punching her and knocking her to the ground.

The Guardian

Methane is the main problem, and, in case we encounter gas unexpectedly, we are issued with a Turtle, which will enable us to breathe if we run out of oxygen.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The collection opens with fairly traditional subject matter, stories built around encounters that unexpectedly change a character's horizons.

The New York Times - Books

If it encounters an unexpectedly large obstacle, as it did Thursday evening, it retreats temporarily, only to attempt the exact same maneuver later.

The New York Times

All six House incumbents who had opponents won by sizable margins -- even Jo Bonner, a one-term Republican, who encountered an unexpectedly strong early showing by Judy Belk, a losing candidate in 2002.

The New York Times

The skin conductance task especially suffered from a low power: due to its novelty, effect sizes were difficult to estimate and in addition we encountered an unexpectedly significant number of dropouts.

BioMed Research International

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "encounter unexpectedly" to vividly describe situations where surprise and unplanned interaction are key elements. For example, "While researching, I encountered unexpectedly a groundbreaking study that altered my perspective."

Common error

Avoid using "encounter unexpectedly" when the context already implies surprise or chance. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, rely on the verb "encounter" if the unexpected nature is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "encounter unexpectedly" functions as a verb phrase, where "encounter" is the verb and "unexpectedly" is an adverb modifying it. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. The verb denotes the action of meeting or experiencing something, and the adverb specifies that this meeting or experience was not anticipated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "encounter unexpectedly" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for describing unplanned or surprising meetings and experiences. Ludwig confirms this assessment. While not overly frequent, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal writing. Consider alternatives like "come across unexpectedly" or "stumble upon unexpectedly" for variety, but be mindful of redundancy. Use "encounter unexpectedly" to enrich your writing and vividly portray moments of surprise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come across unexpectedly

Focuses on the unplanned nature of the discovery or meeting.

stumble upon unexpectedly

Suggests a more accidental or unintentional discovery.

run into unexpectedly

Specifically refers to meeting someone by chance.

unexpectedly find

Highlights the surprise element in finding something.

chance upon unexpectedly

Emphasizes the role of chance in the encounter.

meet by chance

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning of a chance meeting.

incidentally encounter

Implies the encounter was not the main purpose or focus.

unexpectedly discover

Highlights the unforeseen discovery of something.

find without expecting

Focuses on lacking anticipation before the finding.

unforeseen encounter

Positions the encounter as something not predicted or anticipated.

FAQs

How can I use "encounter unexpectedly" in a sentence?

You can use "encounter unexpectedly" to describe a situation where you come across something or someone in an unplanned or surprising way. For example: "During my hike, I "encountered unexpectedly" a rare bird."

What are some alternatives to "encounter unexpectedly"?

Alternatives include "come across unexpectedly", "stumble upon unexpectedly", or "run into unexpectedly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "encounter unexpectedly"?

While "encounter" often implies an unplanned meeting, using "encounter unexpectedly" emphasizes the surprise. However, be mindful of potential redundancy; ensure the context doesn't already make the surprise element clear.

What is the difference between "encounter unexpectedly" and "unexpectedly find"?

"Encounter unexpectedly" typically refers to meeting a person or facing a situation, while "unexpectedly find" focuses on discovering an object or piece of information. Both highlight the surprise element, but their application differs.