The phrase 'it surprised me that' is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to express that something that happened or was said was unexpected or surprising to you. For example: It surprised me that he was able to solve the problem so quickly.
Ms. Baker, a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins, said that while the largest category of injuries and deaths had always been private planes, "it surprised me that there were so many parachutists among the injured".
"Knowing you are a fan," said Steve, "it surprised me that she was a part of the deal with MGM.
It surprised me that he wasn't surprised.
It surprised me that it wasn't there.
"It surprised me that people questioned it".
It surprised me that Allan and Croze were friends.
"Did it surprise me that he came back from Europe and did so well?
"Does it surprise me that so many teams are terrible this year?" Jets fullback Tony Richardson asked.
Why does it surprise me that I missed the toddler's developing tummy troubles?
"It has always been so durable, that it surprised me no end that it got swamped".
It has surprised me that it has become as difficult as it has".
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com