it's surprising that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it's surprising that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are making a statement that goes against the expectations of the reader. For example, "It's surprising that the weather in January has been so warm this year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's surprising that hadn't happened more recently.

Los Angeles Times

This strategy should be obvious enough that it's surprising that anyone is surprised by it.

The Guardian - Tech

It's surprising that Slimane's logo – Saint Laurent Paris in Helvetica type – was regarded as so iconoclastic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Considering Hugh's passion for food, it's surprising that he's not greedy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's surprising that it's going to close".

The New York Times

It's surprising that this is so unreported in official reviews.

The New York Times

It's surprising that we never noticed him before.

The New York Times

In fact, it's surprising that it's taken this long.

The New Yorker

It's surprising that they found their way up there".

The New York Times

It's surprising that the recognition hasn't happened sooner.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's surprising that "Rainbow Man" is not in production.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it's surprising that" to introduce a statement that contradicts common knowledge or prior expectations. This helps to create emphasis and engage the reader.

Common error

While "it's surprising that" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Consider more sophisticated alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's surprising that" serves as an introductory clause to express a sense of astonishment or unexpectedness regarding a particular fact or situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly used to preface statements that contradict expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's surprising that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce unexpected or astonishing facts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to engage the reader by highlighting the unexpected nature of the information presented. While versatile, writers should consider more formal alternatives in academic settings to maintain a professional tone. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "it's surprising that" to enhance your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's unexpected that

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation or predictability.

it's astonishing that

Highlights the degree of amazement or disbelief.

it's remarkable that

Focuses on the unusual or noteworthy nature of the situation.

it's curious that

Suggests a sense of mild intrigue or puzzlement.

it's odd that

Implies a deviation from the norm or standard.

it's peculiar that

Similar to 'odd', but can suggest something slightly strange or eccentric.

it's strange that

Indicates something unusual or difficult to explain.

it's funny that

Highlights the ironic or amusing aspect of the situation.

it's ironic that

Directly points out the contradictory or paradoxical nature of the event.

it's telling that

Emphasizes the significance or revealing nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "it's surprising that" in a sentence?

Use "it's surprising that" to introduce a statement that is unexpected or contrary to what one might assume. For instance, "It's surprising that he didn't know about the meeting, given his position."

What are some alternatives to "it's surprising that"?

You can use alternatives like "it's unexpected that", "it's remarkable that", or "it's astonishing that" depending on the context and the level of emphasis you wish to convey.

Is "it's surprising that" formal or informal?

"It's surprising that" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

What's the difference between "it's surprising that" and "it's unexpected that"?

While both phrases express a sense of something not being anticipated, "it's surprising that" often implies a sense of mild astonishment or wonder, whereas "it's unexpected that" simply conveys that something was not foreseen.