generate surprises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate surprises" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of creating unexpected or unforeseen outcomes, often in a creative or innovative context. Example: "The magician's performance was designed to generate surprises that kept the audience on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even now, discoveries of black ancestors in white family histories generate surprise.

The New York Times

The news is likely to generate surprise in the music world, not to mention a certain amount of chagrin.

The New Yorker

Director Marcus Dunstan, who wrote a handful of recent instalments in the Saw franchise, knows how to dribble out the suspense and generate surprise from more than just loud noises on the soundtrack.

The Guardian - Film

Yet they acquire interest within the totality of Mr. Everson's film work and within the totality of the show — organized by the Whitney curator Chrissie Iles — which keeps generating surprises.

The New York Times - Arts

By forcing the other party to reveal information during negotiation, one can minimize strategically generated surprises down the road.

University of Chicago

When the presence of methane was reported in 2004 by three teams of scientists, the findings generated surprise and skepticism because only a few explanations seemed to be plausible.

The New York Times - Science

"The entry of a student from North Korea, furthermore from a very well-known family, has understandably generated surprise and comment, some of it critical," it said in a statement.

The New York Times

The clause was inserted by the Republican side of the House Armed Services Committee over the objections of Democratic counterparts during a closed-door conference, and it has generated surprise and some outrage among lawmakers who say they had no idea it was in the final legislation.

The New York Times

"Chris... has a brilliant quality for generating surprise on television.

BBC

Hwang noted that even after almost a decade of investigation by many groups worldwide, this seemingly simple interface continues to generate new surprises.

Stanford University

Leonard's malady, which in a weird way is also something of a gift, is neurological rather than metaphysical, but like M. Night Shyamalan, Mr. Nolan uses it to generate mystery, surprise and a series of clever epistemological puzzles.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate surprises" when you want to emphasize the active creation or production of unexpected outcomes. It's suitable for describing intentional efforts in creative or strategic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "generate surprises" in situations where surprises are already expected or commonplace. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate surprises" functions as a verb phrase, where "generate" is the verb and "surprises" is the direct object. The primary function is to describe the action of creating unexpected outcomes.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generate surprises" is grammatically sound and describes the act of creating unexpected outcomes. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid in written English and can be used to describe creating unexpected outcomes or results, especially in creative or strategic settings. Although examples are limited, the phrase maintains a neutral register and its usage spans across various contexts. While the phrase is valid, consider using alternatives in contexts where surprises are already expected to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

produce unexpected results

Highlights the production of results, specifically those that were not anticipated.

create unexpected events

Focuses on the creation of events, emphasizing the unexpected nature of them.

yield unforeseen outcomes

Emphasizes the yielding or resulting of outcomes that could not be foreseen.

bring about unexpected twists

Focuses on introducing unexpected turns or changes, often in a narrative or situation.

spring surprises

A more informal way of saying "generate surprises", suggesting a sudden or abrupt revelation.

engineer unanticipated outcomes

Suggests a deliberate and skillful effort to produce outcomes that were not anticipated.

foster astonishment

Emphasizes the cultivation or fostering of strong surprise or astonishment.

evoke wonder

Shifts the focus to the feeling of wonder that surprises can create, rather than the act of generating them.

initiate unforeseen circumstances

Focuses on starting or beginning situations that were not anticipated.

spark curiosity

Highlights the generation of curiosity through unexpected elements, differing from simple surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "generate surprises" in a sentence?

You can use "generate surprises" to describe actions or strategies that intentionally create unexpected outcomes. For example, "The magician's performance was designed to generate surprises that kept the audience captivated."

What are some alternatives to "generate surprises"?

Alternatives include "create unexpected events", "produce unexpected results", or "yield unforeseen outcomes", depending on the specific context.

Is "generate surprises" formal or informal?

"Generate surprises" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives might be preferred in highly professional settings.

What does it mean to "generate surprises"?

To "generate surprises" means to actively create or produce unexpected and often delightful or intriguing outcomes. It implies an intentional effort to introduce elements of the unforeseen.