is surprised by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is surprised by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express someone's reaction to an unexpected event or information. Example: "She is surprised by the sudden change in plans for the weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She is surprised by this.

The New Yorker

Everyone is surprised by the lavish arrangements.

The New York Times - Books

Nobody is surprised by any of this.

The Guardian

He is surprised by the naked fear on Angel's face.

The New Yorker

"She is surprised by the whole thing," Mr. Frizell said.

The New York Times

Even Martins is surprised by Porzingis's sudden success.

The New Yorker

Rolph is surprised by how angry he is.

The New Yorker

Now, it is surprised by the dramatic slowdown in hiring.

The Washington Post

If Clark is surprised by Khan's approach, he shouldn't be.

The Guardian

The Shea family is surprised by how brown Sophie is.

The New Yorker

He is surprised by how much they rely on gut instinct, he says.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is surprised by", ensure the subject experiencing the surprise is clearly defined. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is surprised by" for minor or predictable events. Reserve it for situations where genuine astonishment is warranted to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is surprised by" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of unexpectedness or astonishment experienced by the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct construct. Examples include "She is surprised by this" from The New Yorker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is surprised by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey unexpectedness or astonishment. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its correct usage is supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Guardian. The phrase is versatile, fitting into neutral contexts, and its impact is most significant when reserved for genuinely surprising events. To enhance writing, avoid overuse and ensure the subject experiencing the surprise is clearly defined. Alternatives include "is astonished by", "is amazed by", and "is taken aback by", each offering nuanced expressions of surprise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is astonished by

Indicates a greater level of amazement or shock compared to simply being surprised.

is amazed by

Implies a sense of wonder or admiration in addition to surprise.

is taken aback by

Suggests a momentary shock or disorientation due to something unexpected.

is startled by

Highlights a sudden and often physical reaction to something unexpected.

is shocked by

Conveys a strong feeling of surprise, often associated with something negative or disturbing.

is dumbfounded by

Implies being rendered speechless or unable to react due to surprise.

is flabbergasted by

Suggests a state of complete astonishment and bewilderment.

finds it surprising that

Shifts the focus to the act of finding something surprising, rather than a direct emotional reaction.

didn't expect

Focuses on the lack of anticipation, rather than the surprise itself.

is caught off guard by

Emphasizes the unpreparedness for something unexpected.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "is surprised by"?

You can use alternatives like "is astonished by", "is amazed by", or "is taken aback by" depending on the level of surprise and the context.

How to use "is surprised by" in a sentence?

The phrase "is surprised by" is used to indicate that someone experiences unexpectedness or astonishment because of something. For example: "He is surprised by the sudden change in weather."

Which is correct, "is surprised by" or "was surprised from"?

"Is surprised by" is the correct and commonly used phrase. "Was surprised from" is grammatically incorrect. For example, "She is surprised by the positive feedback" is correct.

What's the difference between "is surprised by" and "is expecting"?

"Is surprised by" indicates an unexpected event or outcome, while "is expecting" suggests anticipation of something. They have opposite meanings; one implies the lack of anticipation, and the other indicates the anticipation of something.