it was so unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was so unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about an event or situation that occurred without any prior indication. Example: "When she announced her resignation, it was so unexpected that the entire team was left in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It was so unexpected," says Thorpe.

The Guardian - Books

Because it was so unexpected, it became a sensation.

The Washington Post

It was special because it was so unexpected.

The Guardian - Sport

"It's weird," says Bella. "It was so unexpected".

The Guardian

"We loved the video because it was so unexpected," Mr. Leon said.

The New York Times

The fiasco was the more painful for Vann because it was so unexpected.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Not because of the nudity per se, but because it's so unexpected".

The New York Times

"It's so unexpected and it's so startling because there's just nothing like it until very recent times to find this kind of jewellery.

Independent

For us Doctor Who geeks, this is our royal-baby moment – even better, actually, because it's so unexpected.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A mother of another student said: "It is so unexpected, it's really sad I can't imagine what the families of those girls are going through.

The Guardian

Her low-key approach to the fashion business has worked, partly because it is so unexpected in a field where self-aggrandizement is the rule, not the exception.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was so unexpected" in formal writing, consider adding context to explain why the event was surprising to enhance clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was so unexpected" excessively in formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise and objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was so unexpected" primarily functions as an expressive exclamation. It serves to emphasize the speaker's surprise or disbelief at an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was so unexpected" is a widely used expression to convey surprise and disbelief. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and finds frequent use in news and media, as well as informal and business contexts. While generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred for academic writing. When aiming for emphasis and emotional impact, using "it was so unexpected" can be highly effective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it came as a complete surprise

Emphasizes the element of surprise and suddenness.

it was entirely unforeseen

Focuses on the lack of anticipation or prediction.

it took everyone by surprise

Highlights the widespread surprise and impact on others.

it was quite unanticipated

A more formal way of expressing the lack of anticipation.

it was out of the blue

Implies suddenness and lack of warning.

it was rather startling

Focuses on the shock and surprise caused by the event.

it was a bolt from the blue

Similar to "out of the blue", emphasizing suddenness and unexpectedness.

it blindsided everyone

Suggests a negative impact due to the unexpected nature of the event.

it defied all expectations

Highlights how the event went against what was predicted or anticipated.

it was totally unpredicted

A more direct synonym emphasizing the lack of prediction.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was so unexpected"?

You can use alternatives like "it came as a complete surprise", "it was entirely unforeseen", or "it took everyone by surprise" depending on the context.

How to use "it was so unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "it was so unexpected" to describe a surprising event or outcome. For example, "The company's sudden success, it was so unexpected, took everyone by surprise."

What is the tone of "it was so unexpected"?

The phrase "it was so unexpected" carries a tone of surprise and mild shock. It is suitable for expressing astonishment at an event that occurred without warning.

Is "it was so unexpected" formal or informal?

While widely usable, "it was so unexpected" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal tone. In highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it was entirely unforeseen" or "it defied all expectations".