it's unexpected that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it's unexpected that" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to introduce a surprising statement or event. Example: It's unexpected that the usually calm and collected CEO lost his temper during the board meeting yesterday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's unexpected that a city of control freaks and speed-walkers should have anything less.

The New York Times

That night on television, the then NSW premier Neville Wran claimed the demonstrators had had "a pretty good go … and I don't suppose that it's unexpected that the police have taken exception to a busy thoroughfare in Kings Cross being completely blocked off at midnight".

The Guardian

"It's unexpected that the depletion of a single [protein] can have such a dramatic effect," says Konrad Hochedlinger, who studies reprogramming and pluripotent stem cells at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

Science Magazine

"I like that it's unexpected, that it's little bit it of a contradiction," the 35-year-old Wichita, Kan., native says of his locale.

Los Angeles Times

But it's unexpected that the abundance of AMPs in the venom of Hainan-sourced population reached remarkable 40% of all toxin-like peptides.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Although we demonstrated that AdpA represses transcription of its own gene, it was unexpected that AdpA appears to repress more than 80 other transcriptional units (see Discussion).

DNA Research

As 3PG is an upstream precursor required for producing acetate, it is unexpected that increasing its turnover rate will attenuate acetate production.

BMC Systems Biology

"It was unexpected that retail would follow so quickly," she said.

The New York Times

"Maybe it was unexpected that the deal was reached," admitted Zsoltan Kovacs, an Orban spokesman, adding: "The contracts are signed".

The Guardian

I asked Mr. Koeppel, a born comic, whether it was unexpected that Rudy would live with an openly gay couple.

The New York Times

It was unexpected that the autologous minced muscle graft repair alone did not improve muscle strength.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it's unexpected that", ensure the statement following 'that' is a complete sentence and logically contradicts a previous assumption or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "it's unexpected that" when introducing information that is generally known or easily predictable based on the context. This diminishes the impact of the phrase and can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it's unexpected that" functions as an introductory phrase to a clause expressing surprise or a deviation from what was anticipated. It sets up a statement that contradicts a previous assumption or expectation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it's unexpected that" serves to introduce statements that contrast with expectations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its frequency is rare, primarily appearing in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the statement directly opposes a prior assumption to maximize its impact. Alternatives like "it is surprising that" can offer similar effects, depending on the desired level of emphasis. By understanding its function and appropriate usage, you can effectively communicate surprising information in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is surprising that

Changes the adjective from "unexpected" to "surprising", keeping the sentence structure similar but highlighting the element of surprise.

it is astonishing that

Replaces "unexpected" with "astonishing", implying a greater level of surprise or disbelief.

it is remarkable that

Substitutes "unexpected" with "remarkable", emphasizing the noteworthy or extraordinary nature of the situation.

it is unforeseen that

Uses "unforeseen" instead of "unexpected", focusing on the lack of anticipation.

surprisingly

This is a shorter adverbial form expressing the same meaning.

against all expectations

Emphasizes that the outcome goes against what was predicted or anticipated.

contrary to what one might think

Highlights the contrast between expectation and reality.

who would have thought

Expresses disbelief or surprise in a rhetorical question format.

it defies expectation that

Indicates that something goes against what is normally expected.

it's a shock that

Indicates that something is really alarming.

FAQs

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

Use "it's unexpected that" to introduce a surprising or contradictory fact, as in: "It's unexpected that the weather would be so cold in July".

What phrases are similar to "it's unexpected that"?

You can use alternatives like "it is surprising that", "it is astonishing that", or "contrary to what one might think", depending on the level of surprise you want to express.

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

The phrase "it's unexpected that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

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

"It's unexpected that" implies the unexpectedness is still relevant or ongoing, while "it was unexpected that" refers to something that was unexpected in the past but may no longer be surprising.