it may be surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

'it may be surprising' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is unexpected or counterintuitive. For example: "It may be surprising, but the most successful companies today are those that focus on creating an excellent customer experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Therefore, it may be surprising that few publications have focused on the formal stability of these proteins as analytes in the systematic manner reported herein.

British Journal of Cancer

It may be surprising that a strong abortion-rights message found its way into a mainstream Hollywood film.

The New York Times

It may be surprising but it's true.

Independent

It may be surprising, then, that no mining is allowed.

The Guardian

It may be surprising that someone so powerless is considered to be so threatening.

The New York Times - Books

It may be surprising that there's been no comprehensive history of women's writing in America.

The New York Times - Books

It may be surprising that Greece's national output declined less than Germany's.

The New York Times

It may be surprising that no such rumors existed at the time.

The New York Times

Given their potential profits, it may be surprising that big technology companies don't move into new innovations sooner.

The Guardian - Business

It may be surprising to hear someone in Zarif's position speaking of live work with such nuanced enthusiasm.

The Guardian - Music

It may be surprising that one needed to be paid, given that Mr Prince was an internal appointee.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the statement following "it may be surprising" is indeed unexpected or counterintuitive to avoid confusing the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it may be surprising" before statements that are universally known or easily predictable, as this can weaken your writing's impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

"It may be surprising" functions as an introductory phrase, often setting the stage for a statement that contrasts with expectations or common knowledge. It serves to alert the reader or listener that what follows might be unexpected. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a common and acceptable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it may be surprising" is a versatile introductory phrase used to signal unexpected or counterintuitive information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to capture their audience's attention. While adaptable, it’s best to avoid using it before obvious statements to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's perhaps unexpected

Uses "perhaps" to soften the assertion of surprise.

it might seem unexpected

Emphasizes the element of unexpectedness more directly.

it is, perhaps, counterintuitive

Highlights the contradictory nature of what follows.

it could be considered remarkable

Highlights the noteworthy or extraordinary aspect.

it is not what one would expect

A more verbose and formal way of expressing surprise.

one might find it astonishing

Indicates a higher degree of surprise or disbelief.

it defies expectation

Stresses the way something goes against what is normally predicted.

it's rather curious

Focuses on the intriguing or peculiar nature of the subject.

it goes against the grain

Indicates something contrary to the norm.

it stands in stark contrast

Highlights the difference between something and what is typical.

FAQs

How can I use "it may be surprising" in a sentence?

Use "it may be surprising" to introduce a statement that contrasts with common expectations. For example: "It may be surprising, but the most successful companies today prioritize customer experience."

What phrases are similar to "it may be surprising"?

Alternatives include "it might seem unexpected", "it could be considered remarkable", or "it's perhaps unexpected", depending on the level of surprise you want to convey.

Is "it may be surprising" formal or informal?

"It may be surprising" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding language and the audience.

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

"It may be surprising" suggests a degree of tentativeness or politeness, acknowledging that others might not share the same reaction. "It is surprising" is a more direct and assertive statement of surprise.