it has surprised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has surprised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something has caused surprise or astonishment in the past and continues to have relevance in the present. Example: "It has surprised many experts how quickly technology has advanced in recent years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Benghazi was the first to come, and it has surprised by its staying power.

Huffington Post

It has surprised the world with its rapid growth and its wide expanding business scope.

BMC Medical Ethics

Everything about it has surprised me," says Gyllenhaal.

Independent

It has surprised no one that things have turned nasty, but one advertisement stands out.

The New York Times

It has surprised me that it has become as difficult as it has".

The New York Times

It has surprised some critics with what is seen as a go-it-alone approach.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The success that it had surprised us all.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It had surprised him repeatedly in the past few days.

The New Yorker

I do want above all things to be working on my new book because I have a feeling that it has surprises for me.

BBC

But it already has surprised me.

The Guardian - Opinion

It should have surprised no one -- though it did -- that he was caught, in this struggle, in mid-maneuver.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it has surprised" to effectively communicate a sense of unexpectedness or deviation from the norm. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was surprising and to whom.

Common error

Avoid using "it has surprised" with inanimate subjects that cannot experience surprise themselves. For example, instead of saying "The result has surprised the data", rephrase to "The result has surprised the analysts." or "Analysts were surprised by the result."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has surprised" functions as a statement expressing unexpectedness or astonishment. It typically connects a situation or event with the emotional reaction it provokes. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase is often followed by an explanation of who was surprised or what aspect was surprising.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

13%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it has surprised" is a commonly used phrase to express unexpectedness or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suitability for various contexts, particularly in news and media. The phrase is best used when emphasizing a deviation from expectations, and writers should be mindful of using it with subjects capable of experiencing surprise. For alternatives, consider options like "it has astonished" or "it has taken by surprise" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has astonished

Replaces "surprised" with a stronger synonym, conveying a greater sense of amazement.

it has amazed

Similar to "astonished", but implies a sense of wonder or admiration.

it has taken by surprise

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.

it has caught off guard

Emphasizes the unexpectedness of the event, suggesting a lack of preparation.

it has proven unexpected

Focuses on the unforeseen nature of the event or outcome.

it has defied expectations

Suggests that the event contradicted what was anticipated or predicted.

it has come as a shock

Indicates a sudden and often unpleasant surprise.

it has been startling

Emphasizes the alarming or unsettling nature of the surprise.

it has thrown for a loop

Implies a disorienting or confusing surprise.

it has left speechless

Highlights the overwhelming nature of the surprise, rendering one unable to speak.

FAQs

What does "it has surprised" mean?

The phrase "it has surprised" means that something unexpected has happened or that someone is astonished by something. It indicates an element of disbelief or wonder.

What can I say instead of "it has surprised"?

You can use alternatives like "it has astonished", "it has amazed", or "it has taken by surprise" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "it has surprised" in a sentence?

Use "it has surprised" to express that something was unexpected or caused wonder. For example: "It has surprised many experts how quickly the technology has advanced."

Is "it has surprised me" the same as "I am surprised"?

While both express surprise, "it has surprised me" emphasizes the external cause of the surprise, while "I am surprised" focuses on the internal feeling. The first suggests something acted upon you, while the second is simply your state.