it was surprisingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was surprisingly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something was unexpected or contrary to what was anticipated. Example: "It was surprisingly easy to solve the complex puzzle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was surprisingly tasty.

The New York Times - Travel

It was surprisingly neat.

The New York Times

It was surprisingly large.

The New York Times - Travel

It was surprisingly distressing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It was surprisingly soothing.

The New York Times - Travel

It was surprisingly tetchy.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It's surprisingly good.

The New York Times

It is surprisingly heavy.

The New Yorker

It's surprisingly evident.

Princeton University

It's surprisingly uplifting.

The Times

"It is surprisingly sophisticated.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was surprisingly" to introduce an element of unexpectedness or contrast to an otherwise ordinary observation. This can add intrigue and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was surprisingly" excessively, especially when the surprise is minimal or implied. Overuse can dilute the impact of the phrase and make your writing sound repetitive. Ensure the surprising element is genuinely noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was surprisingly" functions as an introductory expression that modifies the adjective or adverb that follows. It serves to highlight an unexpected or unanticipated quality of the subject being described, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was surprisingly" is a versatile expression used to introduce unexpected qualities or outcomes. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various domains, particularly in news and media. While effective for adding intrigue, it's important to avoid overuse and ensure genuine surprise to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "it was unexpectedly" or "it was remarkably" to provide more nuance to your writing. Ludwig AI's analysis underscores its communicative purpose and neutral register, making it a valuable tool for clear and engaging communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was unexpectedly

Replaces 'surprisingly' with 'unexpectedly', focusing on the lack of anticipation.

it was astonishingly

Substitutes 'surprisingly' with 'astonishingly', increasing the level of amazement.

it was remarkably

Emphasizes the noteworthy nature of the unexpected quality.

it was unusually

Highlights the deviation from the norm, rather than surprise.

it proved to be surprisingly

Adds a sense of discovery to the unexpected quality.

it turned out to be surprisingly

Focuses on the eventual realization of the unexpected quality.

it was shockingly

Replaces 'surprisingly' with 'shockingly', indicating a high degree of unexpectedness that is also disturbing.

it was strangely

Focuses on the peculiarity of the unexpected quality.

it was impressively

Highlights the positive impact of the unexpected quality.

it was oddly

Emphasizes the unusual nature of the unexpected situation.

FAQs

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

Use "it was surprisingly" to preface an adjective or adverb, indicating an unexpected quality. For example, "it was surprisingly easy" or "it was surprisingly good".

What can I say instead of "it was surprisingly"?

You can use alternatives like "it was unexpectedly", "it was astonishingly", or "it was remarkably" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "it was surprisingly" or "it is surprisingly"?

The choice depends on the time frame. "It was surprisingly" refers to a past event, while "it is surprisingly" refers to something currently true. For example, "it was surprisingly effective" (in the past) versus "it is surprisingly effective" (currently).

What is the difference between "it was surprisingly" and "it became surprisingly"?

"It was surprisingly" indicates that something was immediately apparent or true at a specific point in the past. "It became surprisingly" suggests that the surprising aspect emerged or developed over time.