hold surprises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hold surprises" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something has the potential to surprise or astonish someone, or that there may be unexpected events or outcomes. Example: The new movie's twist ending is sure to hold surprises for even the most seasoned of moviegoers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The writing Oscars often hold surprises.

The New York Times

By the time most Americans reach adulthood, the supermarket ceases to hold surprises.

The New York Times - Food

Thank you, Maryanne…Their observations and interpretations always hold surprises for us.

Yale University

While the nighttime shadows are full of the pleasing shapes of his plants, they also hold surprises.

The New York Times

You show them something that is 640 feet and they are like, 'This is great.' " Even for professionals, square footage can still hold surprises.

The New York Times

Mr. Gardiner created the Orchestre Révolutionnaire, a large symphony orchestra playing on 19th-century instruments, in 1989, but its sounds still hold surprises.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

12. Hold surprise off-site meetings.

Forbes

Even the oldies market held surprises.

The New York Times - Arts

And Italy still holds surprises for the Englishman.

The New Yorker

We still have the original, which holds surprises on each rereading.

The New Yorker

Thereafter, it's a piece of history – interesting, bracing even, but a thing that no longer holds surprises.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hold surprises", ensure the subject is something that can logically contain or present surprises, such as a book, a situation, or a scientific finding.

Common error

Avoid using "hold surprises" with subjects that cannot logically offer surprises. For example, it is incorrect to say, "The table holds surprises"; instead, consider, "The magician's performance holds surprises."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hold surprises" functions as a verbal phrase, where "hold" is the verb and "surprises" is its direct object. It describes the capacity or potential of something to yield unexpected or astonishing elements. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hold surprises" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that signifies the potential for unexpected outcomes or revelations. As Ludwig AI states, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific writing. While the phrase is versatile, it's best practice to use it with subjects that can logically present or contain surprises. Alternatives like "contain unexpected elements" or "offer unforeseen twists" can provide nuanced variations of the same concept. Understanding its function and register helps writers effectively use "hold surprises" to create anticipation or to signal the presence of the unexpected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contain unexpected elements

Focuses on the presence of unexpected parts rather than the act of surprising.

offer unforeseen twists

Highlights the presence of plot twists that were not predicted.

present unexpected turns

Emphasizes the unexpected changes in direction or outcome.

have some tricks up its sleeve

An idiomatic expression indicating hidden surprises or strategies.

be full of the unexpected

Focuses on the quality of being filled with surprises.

conceal hidden depths

Implies surprises related to complexity or profoundness.

have a few curveballs

Informal expression indicating that something unexpected may occur.

be ripe with possibilities

Indicates that many unexpected things could happen.

lead to startling revelations

Focuses on the unveiling of surprising facts.

unleash unforeseen outcomes

Highlights the uncontrolled release of unexpected consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "hold surprises" to describe something that is likely to contain unexpected or astonishing elements. For example, "The old house might "contain unexpected elements"" or "The experiment "is ripe with possibilities"".

What is a good alternative to "hold surprises"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "hold surprises" include "offer unforeseen twists", "present unexpected turns", or "be full of the unexpected".

Is it better to use "hold surprises" or "contain surprises"?

"Hold surprises" and "contain surprises" are quite similar. "Hold surprises" implies a potential for surprises to be revealed, while "contain surprises" suggests the surprises are already present but not necessarily evident. Choose the option that best fits your intended meaning.

Can you say "held surprises" instead of "hold surprises"?

Yes, "held surprises" is the past tense of "hold surprises". For example, "The event "offered unforeseen twists" that no one anticipated".