is this surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is this surprising" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when questioning whether a particular outcome or piece of information is unexpected or unusual. Example: "After reviewing the data, I asked my colleague, 'Is this surprising to you, given the trends we've observed?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Why is this surprising?

The New Yorker

Between sick Kathy Griffin, plays portraying Trump's assassination and Antifa violence, is this surprising?

The Washington Post

Nor is this surprising, said David Levy, a professor in the information school at the University of Washington.

The New York Times

ONE TWENTY-TWO FIRST AVENUE Tucked behind South Brooklyn Pizza is this surprising spot for small plates and inventive pizzas.

The New York Times - Food

Nor is this surprising, since the authors of this anti-Machiavellian handbook are Robert S. McNamara, secretary of defense under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson, and James G. Blight, a professor of international relations at Brown University who has written extensively on the Cuban missile crisis.

The New York Times - Books

In between came signature houses in the 1920s and 1930s that embodied and promoted the modernist gospel: separate structure from skin; lift the building off the ground; open up inside space; lighten interiors with wraparound windows and utilise the roof.He was (is this surprising?) neither nice nor easy.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

This isn't surprising.

The New York Times - Books

(This is somewhat surprising).

The New Yorker

This is hardly surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not surprising.

The New York Times

This is very surprising.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is this surprising" to express genuine curiosity or mild disbelief regarding a situation. It's effective for prompting further discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "is this surprising" too frequently in your writing. Vary your language by using alternatives like "is that unexpected" or "does that seem odd" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is this surprising" primarily functions as an interrogative clause, seeking confirmation or denial of an expected outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is this surprising" is a grammatically sound and versatile question used to express mild astonishment or curiosity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and audience when choosing whether to use it or opt for a more formal alternative. Occurring most frequently in News & Media, it also appears in Science and Academia. By understanding its usage and potential alternatives, writers can effectively communicate their surprise or invite further discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that unexpected

Changes the focus from a general query to a more specific expectation of the event.

does that seem odd

Shifts the emphasis to perceived strangeness or peculiarity.

should we be amazed

Queries the appropriateness of astonishment or wonder.

are we meant to be shocked

Highlights the potential for outrage or offense.

is it remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthiness or distinction of the circumstance.

does this raise eyebrows

Implies a reaction of skepticism or disapproval.

is this noteworthy

Examines the significance or value of the thing being questioned.

could this be predicted

Implies that an event could be expected given all relevant data.

are we taken aback

Implies a sudden feeling of shock and surprise.

is this unforeseen

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "is this surprising" to question the unexpectedness of a situation. For example, "Given the previous reports, is this outcome surprising?"

What are some alternatives to "is this surprising"?

Alternatives include "is this unexpected", "is this astonishing", or "is this amazing" depending on the context and the degree of surprise.

Is "is this surprising?" formal or informal?

The phrase "is this surprising?" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "is this surprising?" and "does this come as a surprise?"?

"Is this surprising?" is a more direct question, while "does this come as a surprise?" is a slightly softer and more conversational way to express similar sentiment.