expressed surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed 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 expressed surprise at the unexpected turn of events."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr. Coulson expressed surprise.

The New York Times

She expressed surprise.

The New York Times

Reports say officials "expressed surprise".

The Guardian - Sport

Some customers expressed surprise at the developments.

The New York Times

Many in his staff expressed surprise.

The Economist

Mr. Oddo expressed surprise at the question.

The New York Times

Hindalco expressed surprise at the discovery.

The New York Times

Even Murrah's principal, Roy Brookshire, expressed surprise.

The New York Times

Others expressed surprise at Roof's crimes.

The Guardian

Swissair expressed surprise at the statement.

The New York Times

Men around the city have expressed surprise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "expressed surprise", consider the degree of surprise you want to convey. Synonyms like "astonishment" or "disbelief" can add nuance.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overuse of the phrase "expressed surprise". Opt for more descriptive and nuanced alternatives that reflect the specific context and intensity of the reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed surprise" functions as a verb phrase, where "expressed" is the verb and "surprise" is the noun acting as the direct object. This construction describes the action of outwardly displaying a feeling of surprise. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expressed surprise" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone showing a feeling of unexpectedness. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While simple, it's important to consider the degree of surprise and opt for more descriptive alternatives like "showed astonishment" when appropriate. Remember to avoid overuse in formal writing and always tailor your language to the specific context. Ludwig provides ample examples to guide your usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was astonished

A passive construction emphasizing the feeling of astonishment.

showed astonishment

Replaces "expressed" with "showed" and "surprise" with a stronger synonym, "astonishment", indicating a higher degree of shock.

displayed incredulity

Highlights the lack of willingness or ability to believe something.

conveyed disbelief

Focuses on the lack of belief as the primary reaction, rather than just surprise.

registered amazement

Uses "registered" to describe how the feeling of amazement was outwardly manifested.

voiced astonishment

Highlights that the surprise was communicated verbally.

betrayed shock

Implies an involuntary display of surprise, possibly through body language or facial expression.

was taken aback

Indicates a sudden and often disconcerting surprise.

revealed astonishment

Focuses on the act of making the surprise known or visible.

manifested surprise

Uses more formal language to describe showing surprise.

FAQs

What does "expressed surprise" mean?

The phrase "expressed surprise" means to show or communicate a feeling of unexpectedness or astonishment about something.

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

You can use "expressed surprise" to describe someone's reaction to unexpected news or events, for example: "She "expressed surprise" at the unexpected announcement".

What can I say instead of "expressed surprise"?

You can use alternatives like "showed astonishment", "conveyed disbelief", or "was astonished" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "expressed surprise" formal or informal?

"Expressed surprise" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more descriptive alternatives might be preferred in formal writing.