it's not surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's not surprising" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement that is expected or understandable based on the context of the conversation or text. Examples: 1. It's not surprising that she aced her exam, she studied for hours every day. 2. Given the state of the economy, it's not surprising that many people are struggling to find jobs. 3. After years of neglect, it's not surprising that the old building was in desperate need of repairs. 4. With so little rainfall in the area, it's not surprising that the plants are struggling to survive. 5. After all the hard work he put in, it's not surprising that he was promoted to manager.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's not surprising.

The New York Times - Science

But it's not surprising.

The New York Times

Perhaps it's not surprising.

The Guardian - Sport

DAVID REMNICK: It's not surprising.

The New Yorker

In one respect, it's not surprising.

Independent

— but Dr. Miller says it's not surprising.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But it was not surprising.

The Economist

basketball, it was not surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

Truth is, it is not surprising.

The Washington Post

"Upon reflection, though, it is not surprising.

The Washington Post

In some ways it is not surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's not surprising" to introduce a statement that logically follows from previously stated facts or commonly understood circumstances. This helps maintain a logical flow and avoids abrupt transitions.

Common error

Avoid using "it's not surprising" excessively within a narrative, as it can become repetitive and detract from the reader's engagement. Opt for showing the lack of surprise through character reactions or subtle implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's not surprising" functions as an introductory remark or discourse marker. It signals that the speaker or writer finds a particular situation or outcome to be expected and understandable, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's not surprising" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates a lack of surprise or an expectation of a particular outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves as an introductory remark or discourse marker to contextualize information and align expectations. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also present in academic and scientific contexts, its register is generally neutral. For alternative phrasing consider "that's to be expected" or "that comes as no surprise". Remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy in narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's to be expected

Replaces "it's not surprising" with an emphasis on the expectation of the outcome.

that comes as no surprise

Substitutes "it's not surprising" highlighting the lack of astonishment.

that's hardly a shock

Highlights the lack of surprise due to prior knowledge or expectations.

it was predictable

Emphasizes that the event was foreseeable, instead of highlighting the reaction.

as expected

A more concise way to express something happening as predicted.

it was inevitable

Stresses that the event was unavoidable, thus not surprising.

it was bound to happen

Suggests inevitability, making the event unsurprising.

it figures

An informal way of saying something is not surprising, often implying resignation.

no one is shocked

Emphasizes the collective lack of surprise about an event.

it's only natural

Implies that the outcome is a normal or logical consequence.

FAQs

How can I use "it's not surprising" in a sentence?

You can use "it's not surprising" to introduce an outcome that is expected or predictable based on the circumstances. For example, "It's not surprising that the stock market is volatile given the current economic uncertainty."

What are some alternatives to saying "it's not surprising"?

Alternatives include phrases like "that's to be expected", "that comes as no surprise", or "it was predictable". Choose the phrase that best fits the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it's not surprising" formal or informal?

The phrase "it's not surprising" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it leans slightly towards the informal side. Consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when deciding whether to use it.

Which is correct, "it's not surprising" or "it isn't surprising"?

Both "it's not surprising" and "it isn't surprising" are grammatically correct. "It's not surprising" (using the contraction) is more common in everyday speech and writing, while "it isn't surprising" is slightly more formal but less frequently used.