is hardly surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

"is hardly surprising" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to express that something is not unexpected or is not surprising at all. Example: "Given his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, it is hardly surprising that he was selected for the prestigious award."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That is hardly surprising.

The Economist

Which is hardly surprising.

Independent

This is hardly surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

The denial is hardly surprising.

The New York Times

But that is hardly surprising.

The Economist

This volatility is hardly surprising.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

As surprise contenders go, the Lions are hardly surprising.

The New York Times

It's hardly surprising.

The Economist

That's hardly surprising.

The New York Times

It was hardly surprising.

The New Yorker

This was hardly surprising.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is hardly surprising", ensure the context clearly establishes why the event is predictable to avoid confusing your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is hardly surprising" when the situation is blatantly obvious. Instead, provide additional context or insights rather than merely stating the lack of surprise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is hardly surprising" functions as a commentary adverbial, expressing an opinion or attitude towards a proposition. It qualifies the statement by indicating a lack of surprise, suggesting that the information aligns with prior expectations, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is hardly surprising" is a versatile expression used to indicate a lack of surprise or expectation regarding a particular event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and scientific contexts. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it’s crucial to ensure that the context clearly justifies why something is predictable to avoid sounding dismissive. Alternatives like "is not surprising" or "is to be expected" offer subtle variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not surprising

Direct synonym with neutral emphasis, simply stating the expectedness of something.

is to be expected

Emphasizes anticipation and logical consequence rather than just a lack of surprise.

is not unexpected

Formal equivalent, downplaying the unexpectedness of the event.

comes as no surprise

Highlights the absence of shock or astonishment, often implying prior knowledge or anticipation.

is predictable

Focuses on the ease of foreseeing the outcome, lacking emotional undertones.

was anticipated

Passive construction emphasizing the prior expectation of an event or situation.

shouldn't be a shock

Informal phrase, directly addressing potential surprise and negating it.

occasions no surprise

Formal and somewhat emphatic, suggesting a complete lack of astonishment.

could have been foreseen

Highlights the ability to predict the event beforehand, emphasizing foresight.

was always on the cards

Idiomatic expression, especially common in British English, indicating inevitability.

FAQs

How can I use "is hardly surprising" in a sentence?

You can use "is hardly surprising" to indicate that something is not unexpected, for example, "Given the circumstances, the outcome is hardly surprising."

What are some alternatives to "is hardly surprising"?

Alternatives include "is not surprising", "is to be expected", or "comes as no surprise", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is hardly surprising" in formal writing?

Yes, "is hardly surprising" is suitable for formal writing, although alternatives like "is not unexpected" might be preferred for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "is hardly surprising" and "is surprising"?

"Is hardly surprising" means something is not unexpected, whereas "is surprising" indicates something is unexpected or causes astonishment.