is that surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that surprising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone if they find a particular piece of information unexpected or noteworthy. Example: "After hearing the latest statistics on climate change, I asked my friend, 'Is that surprising to you?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

How is that surprising?" What Mamet had excavated from the junk-shop poker games and captured in "American Buffalo" was the notion of a world and an idiom composed of waste.

The New Yorker

Why is that surprising?

Forbes

Why is that surprising to anyone?

TechCrunch

Nor is that surprising.

Independent

None of this is that surprising.

The New Yorker

But if we're honest, none of it is that surprising.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Which should not be that surprising.

The Washington Post

This fact shouldn't be that surprising.

The Guardian - Opinion

It wouldn't be that surprising.

Forbes

But it shouldn't be that surprising.

BBC

It shouldn't be that surprising.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is that surprising", be mindful of your tone. A slight change in inflection can make the question sound genuinely curious or subtly sarcastic.

Common error

While generally acceptable, overusing "is that surprising" in formal writing can make your tone seem dismissive or condescending. Opt for more direct and professional phrasing in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that surprising" functions primarily as an interrogative, specifically a question, designed to elicit a response regarding the perceived level of unexpectedness or astonishment associated with a particular fact, event, or statement. Ludwig AI validates the phrase as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is that surprising" is a commonly used interrogative phrase that serves to question the unexpectedness of a given situation or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. While adaptable to various scenarios, its register is generally neutral, favoring informal and news contexts over highly formal or scientific discourse. When writing, be mindful of your tone, and try to substitute more direct and professional wording for professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Do you find that unexpected?

Substitutes "surprising" with "unexpected" to express a similar sentiment.

Is that a shock to you?

Directly asks if something is a sudden and upsetting surprise.

Does that strike you as odd?

Replaces "surprising" with "odd" and uses a slightly more formal tone.

Does that seem strange to you?

Employs "strange" instead of "surprising" to suggest something unusual.

Are you taken aback by that?

Uses the idiom "taken aback" to convey surprise.

Are you amazed by that?

Expresses a feeling of great wonder or astonishment.

Is that astonishing to you?

Replaces "surprising" with "astonishing" for a stronger sense of wonder.

Are you startled by that?

Emphasizes a sudden feeling of alarm or surprise.

Is that remarkable in your view?

Utilizes "remarkable" to imply that something stands out significantly.

Does that catch you off guard?

Uses an idiomatic expression to indicate being unprepared for something.

FAQs

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

You can use "is that surprising" to question something you find unexpected. For example, "He said he enjoys waking up early; "is that surprising" given he used to hate mornings?"

What's a more formal alternative to "is that surprising"?

In formal settings, consider alternatives such as "Does that strike you as unexpected?" or "Do you find that remarkable?" for a more professional tone.

Is "is that surprising" always a genuine question?

No, "is that surprising" can be rhetorical, implying something should not be surprising. The tone is often key to understanding the intent.

What's the difference between "is that surprising" and "does that surprise you"?

While similar, "is that surprising" focuses more on the inherent unexpectedness of something, while "does that surprise you" directly asks about the other person's reaction.