is quite unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is quite unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or outcome that is surprising or not anticipated. Example: "The sudden change in weather is quite unexpected for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The result is quite unexpected.

The New York Times - Magazine

There are also surprising numbers of Dutch and Portuguese sites.The Danish one is quite unexpected.

The Economist

While not even an enthusiast would make claims for French intellectual culture since Camus' death in 1960, the fame of Michel Houellebecq is quite unexpected.

The Guardian - Books

It is quite unexpected, and because Mr Lott plans to step down in 2007--rather 2007--rather 2007--ratherear--thanstate may have to go through a complicated series of elections after Mr Barbour appoints someone.

The Economist

From this point of view, it is quite unexpected that D2O ice first reacts with CO molecules to form sI hydrate at 173 bar and 243 K and then to form sII hydrate at the same P T conditions, either through the same reaction or a phase transformation.

Nature

Nevertheless, the result is quite unexpected as one would intuitively assume that domain walls influence surface diffusion, based on a comparison of different reconstructions [3].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

That was quite unexpected".

The Guardian - Music

Some of their findings are quite unexpected.

The Economist

One is that it was quite unexpected.

The Economist

"That was quite unexpected," he said.

Princeton University

That's quite unexpected and fascinating," Kenny said.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is quite unexpected" to express mild surprise or a deviation from what was anticipated. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "quite" in your writing. While "is quite unexpected" is acceptable, excessive use of "quite" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider alternatives like "rather", "somewhat", or simply omitting the qualifier for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is quite unexpected" functions as a descriptive expression. It qualifies a noun or situation, indicating that it deviates from what was anticipated. It is frequently used to express surprise, mild astonishment, or a deviation from expected norms. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is quite unexpected" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey mild surprise or a deviation from expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various domains, including science, news, and academia. The phrase is grammatically correct, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for diverse contexts. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse and consider stronger or more specific alternatives when appropriate. Using this phrase effectively involves understanding the subtle nuances of surprise and anticipation in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rather unanticipated

Replaces "quite unexpected" with a more formal and slightly stronger emphasis on the lack of anticipation.

is fairly surprising

Substitutes "unexpected" with "surprising", focusing more on the element of surprise rather than the lack of anticipation.

is a surprise

Simplifies the phrase to its core meaning, emphasizing the element of surprise.

is somewhat unforeseen

Replaces "unexpected" with "unforeseen", highlighting the aspect of not being predicted.

is hardly anticipated

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation with a more negative phrasing.

is not anticipated

States directly that something was not expected, removing the qualifier "quite".

is out of the blue

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey suddenness and unexpectedness.

comes as a shock

Highlights the impactful and surprising nature of the event.

defies expectation

Focuses on how the event goes against what was predicted or believed.

is beyond anticipation

Suggests that something was so unlikely that it was not even considered.

FAQs

How can I use "is quite unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "is quite unexpected" to describe events, results, or outcomes that were not anticipated or predicted. For example: "The level of detail in his work "is quite unexpected" for a beginner."

What are some alternatives to "is quite unexpected"?

You can use alternatives like "is rather surprising", "is somewhat unforeseen", or "is a surprise" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "is unexpected" or "is quite unexpected"?

"Is unexpected" is stronger and more direct. "Is quite unexpected" adds a degree of emphasis but can sometimes sound less impactful if overused.

What's the difference between "is unexpected" and "is unforeseen"?

"Is unexpected" is more commonly used and general, while "is unforeseen" implies a lack of prior planning or anticipation regarding a specific event or outcome.