it sounds surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds surprising" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is unexpected or not what you anticipated. Example: "When I heard the news about the merger, it sounds surprising given the company's recent struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It sounds surprising.

The Economist

"It sounds surprising, I know, but that usually works out pretty well," Lieber said.

The New Yorker

Make sure to get the 10-speaker Sony system, it sounds surprising; great bass, loudness and even treble.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Given all this, Lustgarten's new script sounds surprising.

The Guardian

It might sound surprising coming from me – I'm a math and technology guy after all – but I strongly believe that intuition steeped in both data and business savvy must steer analytics in order to generate real value.

TechCrunch

"It might sound surprising.

Vice

How so? A. Let me say something that's going to sound surprising.

The New York Times

And this may sound surprising coming from a politician – I share their disillusionment.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Here they just represent the government".Such anxieties about pension provision among a workforce in Guangdong mostly made up of young migrants may sound surprising.

The Economist

That is too complicated to put on a bumper sticker, but Mr Obama still has the political capital to attempt it.That may sound surprising.

The Economist

This might sound surprising.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds surprising" when you want to express mild astonishment or disbelief at a piece of information or a situation. It's suitable for conversational and moderately formal contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, "it sounds surprising" can be perceived as informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for stronger, more precise vocabulary to convey the unexpected nature of the information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds surprising" functions as an evaluative statement. It expresses a reaction of mild astonishment or disbelief upon hearing something. Ludwig AI confirms that this expression is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it sounds surprising" is a valid phrase used to express mild astonishment at something unexpected. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is usable in written English. Its frequency is relatively uncommon, appearing mainly in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound, it may be wise to opt for stronger vocabulary in formal settings. Consider alternatives such as "that's quite unexpected" or "it may seem odd" to tailor your writing to different audiences. This phrase serves to introduce an element of unexpectedness, prompting readers to reconsider initial assumptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

That's hardly what one would expect

Highlights that something contradicts what is commonly anticipated.

That's quite unexpected

Shifts the emphasis to the degree of unexpectedness.

It may seem odd

Focuses more on the unusual nature of something rather than the initial surprise.

It might appear strange

Emphasizes the peculiarity or unfamiliarity of something.

It could seem improbable

Highlights the low likelihood of something being true or accurate.

It may come as a shock

Implies a stronger sense of surprise or disbelief.

It could catch you off guard

Suggests that something is unexpected and potentially disruptive.

It might raise eyebrows

Indicates that something is likely to cause surprise or disapproval.

It could defy expectations

Emphasizes that something goes against what is commonly anticipated.

It may fly in the face of convention

Highlights that something contradicts established norms or beliefs.

FAQs

What does "it sounds surprising" mean?

The phrase "it sounds surprising" means something is unexpected or not what you thought it would be. It implies a degree of mild astonishment or disbelief.

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

You can use "it sounds surprising" to introduce an unexpected fact or situation. For example, "The data showed a significant increase in sales, "it sounds surprising", but it aligns with our marketing efforts".

What are some alternatives to "it sounds surprising"?

You can use alternatives like "that's quite unexpected", "it may seem odd", or "it might appear strange" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "it sounds surprising" or "that sounds surprising"?

Both "it sounds surprising" and "that sounds surprising" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific flow of the sentence.