it was surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was surprising" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something you found to be unexpected or unexpected news that you received. For example, "When I heard that my old teacher was getting married, it was surprising!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He added: "It was surprising.

The New York Times

Yes, it was surprising.

Harvard Business Review

Aesthetically, it was surprising.

The Guardian

Sometimes it was surprising.

The New Yorker

But none of it was surprising.

The New Yorker

The Senate's fall was as swift as it was surprising.

The New York Times

Their pitching was so good it was surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

It was shocking, but it was surprising too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nothing about it was surprising.

Los Angeles Times

It was surprising.

Los Angeles Times

And it was surprising.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary the intensity by choosing synonyms like "astonishing" or "remarkable" to match the degree of surprise.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "it was surprising". Use varied sentence structures to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was surprising" functions as an evaluative statement, typically used to express a reaction to an unexpected or noteworthy event. It sets the stage for providing more details about the surprising element. Ludwig AI also confirms its general usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was surprising" is a versatile and common way to express feelings of unexpectedness or astonishment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It's most frequently found in news and media, followed by science and academic writing. While it's a useful phrase, writers should avoid overuse and consider synonyms to add nuance to their writing. Remember to be creative and avoid platitudes when using "it was surprising" in your narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it came as a surprise

Focuses on the event being unexpected.

it was unexpected

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation.

it was astonishing

Conveys a stronger sense of amazement.

it was remarkable

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy nature of the event.

it was startling

Indicates a sudden and slightly shocking surprise.

it was unforeseen

Stresses the inability to predict the event.

it was a shock

Implies a strong emotional reaction to the surprise.

it defied expectations

Suggests the event contradicted what was anticipated.

it took me by surprise

Personalizes the surprise, focusing on the speaker's reaction.

it was a complete revelation

Emphasizes the revealing or enlightening aspect of the surprise.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was surprising" to introduce an unexpected event or outcome. For example, "It was surprising how quickly the project was completed."

What are some alternatives to "it was surprising"?

Alternatives include "it came as a surprise", "it was unexpected", or "it was astonishing", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was surprising" or "that was surprising"?

Both "it was surprising" and "that was surprising" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice depends on the specific context and what "it" or "that" refers to.

Can "it was surprising" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "it was surprising" is suitable for formal writing, especially in news or academic contexts. However, consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "it was remarkable" for added nuance.