express their surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "express their surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's reaction to an unexpected event or information. Example: "When she heard the news, she couldn't help but express her surprise at the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

In the field, his interview subjects regularly express their surprise.

The New York Times - Style

Several readers e-mailed me to express their surprise about an item in yesterday's column.

The Washington Post

But the hardest shots were administered primarily by N.F.L. players using social media to express their surprise that Cutler did not return after he was hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

Western visitors to Turkey today frequently express their surprise at seeing women highly active and vocal in all cultural, economic and social spheres.

The Guardian - Opinion

Some recipients turned to Twitter to express their surprise, saying they had only signed up to the newspaper's technology and finance emails.

The Guardian

Even when former players of the stature of Brian O'Driscoll take to social media to express their surprise it, perversely, combines to make the 30-year-old's task even harder.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Leo Messi and Neymar expressed their surprise he was not on the podium with them.

The Guardian - Sport

Several artists expressed their surprise and anger that their work was to be auctioned.

The New York Times - Arts

Former Dynamo stars like Alex Ovechkin expressed their surprise and sadness at the news.

The New York Times

Some experienced international coaches, most notably Warren Gatland of Wales, openly expressed their surprise at Burrell's demotion.

Independent

Some within ITN have expressed their surprise at the move given that Austin has twice won the Royal Television Society presenter of the year award.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "express their surprise" when you want to convey that a group or multiple individuals are vocalizing or showing their astonishment at something unexpected. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "imply" or "infer" when you mean "express". "Imply" means to suggest something indirectly, while "infer" means to deduce something. "Express" is the correct word to use when someone is directly communicating their surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "express their surprise" functions as a verbal phrase where "express" is the verb and "their surprise" is the object. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It describes the act of communicating or showing a feeling of astonishment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "express their surprise" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to describe a group's reaction to something unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While not overly common, it finds use across various domains, particularly in news and media. For alternatives, consider phrases like "voice their astonishment" or "show their amazement". When writing, ensure that you are using "express" to indicate a direct communication of surprise, rather than implying or inferring it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

voice their astonishment

Replaces "surprise" with "astonishment", implying a greater degree of wonder.

show their amazement

Substitutes "surprise" with "amazement", indicating a strong feeling of wonder and delight.

convey their shock

Emphasizes the element of shock rather than simple surprise.

articulate their bewilderment

Highlights the confusion and lack of understanding associated with the surprise.

register their disbelief

Focuses on the difficulty in accepting something as true.

reveal their wonder

Emphasizes the element of awe and admiration in their reaction.

air their incredulity

Highlights the lack of credibility they assign to something.

demonstrate their startlement

Focuses on the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.

communicate their consternation

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or dismay in response to the surprise.

betray their astonishment

Highlights the involuntary nature of showing strong surprise.

FAQs

What does "express their surprise" mean?

The phrase "express their surprise" means to communicate or show a feeling of astonishment or unexpectedness. It indicates that individuals are making their surprise known through words, actions, or other forms of expression.

What are some alternatives to "express their surprise"?

You can use alternatives like "voice their astonishment", "show their amazement", or "convey their shock" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "express their surprise"?

Yes, the phrase "express their surprise" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules and is widely used in both written and spoken language.

How can I use "express their surprise" in a sentence?

Example: "The audience members "express their surprise" when the magician revealed his final trick." Another example: "Analysts "express their surprise" at the company's unexpected profits.