it seems unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something appears to be surprising or not anticipated based on the current context or information. Example: "Given the recent trends in the market, it seems unexpected that sales have dropped significantly this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Given previous reports of learning deficits after DA depletion in striatum [32], it seems unexpected that raclopride injected into striatum had no effect on learning.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

5. Pale Blue The dark horse of fall 2010's color trends, pale blue really caught our attention not only because it seemed unexpected for the cold season, but because it had an icy-cool modernity that seems incredibly chic right now.

Huffington Post

Although this seems unexpected, it might be explained by an observation made by drs. K. Bossers and J. Verhaagen (pers. comm).

Plosone

People stroll, the high-country snow sparkles, the air smells of burning pinyon and incense, and even the adobe seems unexpected and fresh.

The New York Times - Travel

Colleagues marvel at the dexterity and speed with which Mr. Tilden builds devices, noting that such finesse seems unexpected in a man so large and rotund that he jokingly describes himself as "big enough to create my own ozone layer".

The New York Times - Tech

The latter seems unexpected as the interval of temperatures covers the α-relaxation temperature, which is conventionally associated with activation of additional mechanisms for inelastic flow.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

Although this observation seems unexpected given that our histopathologic studies showed extensive hemosiderin deposition in the reperfused but not in the non-reperfused NF, it might be explained by the possible overlap of oedema (causing T2 increase) and haemorrhage (causing T2 decrease) resulting in an apparent net zero T2 change compared to normal tissue in the reperfused model.

European Radiology Experimental

Our current party landscape seems unexpected, "[Especially when you consider] how little the founders liked them or how fluid they have been in American history".

Huffington Post

This finding seems unexpected.

BMC Psychiatry

In particular, the downregulation of chaperones seems unexpected at first sight, but this is not a unique case.

Biology Direct

Rubber elasticity in living cells at first seems unexpected since cells are multi-component structures and likely to exhibit more than one relaxation time.

Advances in Physics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems unexpected" when you want to express mild surprise or a deviation from what was anticipated, while acknowledging that further investigation might be needed to understand the situation fully.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems unexpected" in situations where the outcome was highly predictable, as it can weaken the impact of your statement. Choose more emphatic language if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems unexpected" functions as a qualifier or hedge, softening a statement about something being surprising or deviating from expectations. It introduces an element of subjective perception and allows for the possibility of further explanation or alternative interpretations. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it seems unexpected" is a versatile expression used to convey surprise or note a deviation from what was anticipated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its function is to qualify a statement, softening the declaration of something being surprising, while its purpose is to express that surprise and invite further explanation. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When using the expression, avoid overstating the level of surprise and consider alternatives like "it appears surprising" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it appears surprising

Replaces "seems" with "appears", emphasizing the visual aspect of the observation.

it looks unexpected

Substitutes "seems" with "looks", highlighting a visual impression of unexpectedness.

it feels unexpected

Changes "seems" to "feels", focusing on an intuitive or emotional sense of unexpectedness.

it is surprisingly

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the surprising nature of the subject directly.

it is unforeseen

Replaces "unexpected" with "unforeseen", stressing the lack of anticipation.

it is unanticipated

Similar to "unforeseen", but highlights the lack of prior anticipation.

it is contrary to expectations

Expresses the idea of going against what was predicted or assumed.

it defies expectations

Similar to "contrary to expectations", but implies a stronger sense of opposition to expectations.

it is out of the ordinary

Indicates that something is unusual or not typical.

it is a surprise

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems unexpected" to express surprise about something that deviates from the norm or prior expectations. For example, "Given the recent trends in the market, "it seems unexpected" that sales have dropped significantly this quarter".

What are some alternatives to "it seems unexpected"?

Alternatives include "it appears surprising", "it looks unexpected", or "it is surprisingly". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems unexpected"?

It's appropriate when you want to express a degree of surprise or note a deviation from what was anticipated, without necessarily implying strong disbelief or shock. It suggests a need for further consideration.

Is "it seems unexpected" formal or informal?

"It seems unexpected" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "it is unforeseen" might be preferred in highly formal writing.