entirely surprised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely surprised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a complete or total feeling of surprise in various contexts, often emphasizing the extent of the surprise. Example: "When she walked in unexpectedly, I was entirely surprised to see her after so many years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though she wasn't entirely surprised.

The New York Times

But not entirely surprised.

The Guardian - Film

We weren't entirely surprised.

The Guardian

We shouldn't be entirely surprised.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was not entirely surprised.

The New York Times - Sports

But I wouldn't be entirely surprised.

The New Yorker

I'd also guess they weren't entirely surprised.

The Washington Post

Mrs May was not entirely surprised.

The Guardian - Opinion

She couldn't say she was entirely surprised.

The New York Times

I wasn't entirely surprised by the tasting.

The New York Times - Food

The man himself is not entirely surprised.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely surprised" to express a complete lack of anticipation or expectation, conveying a strong sense of astonishment.

Common error

Avoid using "entirely surprised" with adjectives that already imply a high degree of surprise. For example, saying "entirely astonished" might be redundant; "astonished" alone often suffices.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely surprised" functions primarily as a descriptive element, modifying a subject's state of mind or emotional reaction. It uses an adverb ("entirely") to intensify the adjective "surprised", indicating a complete lack of anticipation or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entirely surprised" is a correct and commonly used phrase to express a complete feeling of astonishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential redundancy with already strong adjectives. Alternatives such as "completely astonished" or "utterly amazed" may offer a similar nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taken by complete surprise

Stresses the thoroughness of the surprise.

completely taken by surprise

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event.

completely astonished

Emphasizes a stronger sense of shock and disbelief.

utterly amazed

Highlights a feeling of wonder and amazement.

totally shocked

Focuses on the emotional impact of the surprise.

thoroughly taken aback

Implies a more controlled and reflective surprise.

absolutely flabbergasted

Suggests a state of speechlessness due to surprise.

not at all expecting it

Focuses on the lack of anticipation before the event.

unprepared for

Emphasizes the lack of readiness for the situation.

caught off guard

Highlights the vulnerability of the person being surprised.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely surprised" in a sentence?

You can use "entirely surprised" to describe a feeling of complete astonishment. For example: "I was "completely taken by surprise" when I won the lottery", or "She was "utterly amazed" at the magician's trick and I was not "entirely surprised".

What are some alternatives to "entirely surprised"?

Some alternatives include "completely astonished", "utterly amazed", or "totally shocked". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "entirely surprised" or "totally surprised"?

"Entirely surprised" and "totally surprised" are relatively similar in formality, but "entirely surprised" might be perceived as slightly more formal depending on the context. Both are acceptable in general use.

When should I use "entirely surprised" instead of just "surprised"?

Use "entirely surprised" when you want to emphasize the completeness or totality of your surprise. It indicates a stronger feeling than simply being "surprised".