it is surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is surprising" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is unexpected or unusual. For example: "It is surprising that the old man was able to run a marathon at the age of 91."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Well, it is surprising.

The New York Times

It is surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

Some of it is surprising.

The New York Times - Books

Then again, maybe it is surprising.

The New York Times

It is beautiful and it is surprising.

The Guardian - Books

Sometimes the affiliation is predictable, sometimes it is surprising.

The Guardian - Sport

"And it is surprising.

Los Angeles Times

"The fact he wants to talk about it is surprising.

Huffington Post

It is surprising the NRA has not noticed.

Huffington Post

3 Given this, it is surprising that 33% of all Australian households contain a daily smoker.

BMJ Open

It is surprising it has raised its head again.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is surprising", ensure the context clearly indicates what is unexpected or unusual. Avoid vague references that leave the reader guessing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is surprising" simply as a conversational filler. Ensure it genuinely adds value by highlighting an unexpected element, rather than just stating the obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is surprising" functions as an introductory expression, setting the stage for an observation that deviates from what is expected or considered typical. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it introduces an element of unexpectedness or novelty to the subsequent statement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

38%

Academia

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is surprising" is a valid and useful phrase for introducing unexpected information across various contexts, from news and media to science and academia. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to highlight the unusual or unexpected nature of a statement. While it is generally neutral in tone, it's best practice to ensure that the context clearly justifies the claim of surprise, and it's crucial to avoid using it as mere filler. Alternatives such as "it is unexpected" or "it is astonishing" can provide subtle shifts in emphasis, making your writing more precise and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is unexpected

Focuses on the lack of anticipation rather than the emotional response.

it is astonishing

Implies a higher degree of amazement than "surprising".

it is remarkable

Suggests that something is worthy of attention due to its unusual nature.

it is astounding

Indicates a sense of bewilderment due to how impressive something is.

it is curious

Suggests something is interesting or strange and provokes inquiry.

it is odd

Emphasizes the strangeness or peculiarity of something.

it is strange

Focuses on the unusual or unfamiliar nature of something.

it is peculiar

Highlights the distinctiveness or uncommonness of something.

it is unforeseen

Stresses the lack of prior expectation regarding an event or situation.

it is incredible

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something is true.

FAQs

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

Use "it is surprising" to introduce an unexpected or noteworthy piece of information. For instance, "It is surprising how many people are unaware of the risks involved."

What can I say instead of "it is surprising"?

You can use alternatives like "it is unexpected", "it is remarkable", or "it is astonishing" depending on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it is surprising" in formal writing?

It's appropriate in formal writing when you need to point out an unexpected outcome, result, or observation. Ensure the context supports the claim of surprise with clear evidence or reasoning.

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

"It is surprising" emphasizes the emotional or cognitive reaction to something, while "it is unexpected" simply states that something was not anticipated without necessarily implying a feeling of surprise.