it was unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was unexpected' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when something has occurred which was not anticipated or expected. For example, "I was surprised when my sister announced her engagement - it was unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was unexpected, vitriolic.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was unexpected, yet entertaining.

The New York Times - Arts

It was unexpected, and delightful.

The New Yorker

"It was unexpected, and it was awesome.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was unexpected and quite fantastic".

The New York Times

It was unexpected," he said.

The Guardian

"It was unexpected, and probably unplanned.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Yeah, it's unexpected".

The New York Times - Sports

It is unexpected.

The New York Times

That buoyancy — it's unexpected.

The New Yorker

"It's unexpected for them.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was unexpected" to introduce a surprising or unanticipated event or outcome. It can effectively set the stage for explaining the context and consequences of the unexpected occurrence.

Common error

While "it was unexpected" is useful, avoid relying on it too frequently in your writing. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "it came as a surprise" or "it wasn't anticipated" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was unexpected" primarily functions as a statement expressing surprise or a lack of anticipation regarding a particular event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was unexpected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey surprise or a lack of anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It's suitable for various contexts, especially news and media, although academic writing might benefit from more formal synonyms. When using it, be mindful of overuse and consider varying your phrasing for enhanced clarity and engagement. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its practical application in diverse scenarios, ensuring its appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it came as a surprise

Emphasizes the element of surprise more directly.

it wasn't anticipated

Focuses on the lack of prior planning or expectation.

it was unforeseen

Highlights the inability to predict the event.

it took me by surprise

Implies a personal reaction of astonishment.

it was a shock

Suggests a more intense feeling of surprise and potential distress.

it defied expectations

Indicates that the outcome contradicted what was predicted or hoped for.

it was out of the blue

Emphasizes the sudden and unprompted nature of the event.

it blindsided me

Suggests that the event was not only unexpected, but also had a negative impact.

it was a bolt from the blue

Emphasizes suddenness and surprise, often with a connotation of being shocking or disruptive.

it was unpredicted

Highlights the lack of anticipation or prediction, often in a scientific or analytical context.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "it came as a surprise", "it wasn't anticipated", or "it was unforeseen" depending on the context.

How do I use "it was unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use it to introduce a surprising event. For example: "The outcome of the election was a shock; it was unexpected by most political analysts."

Is "it was unexpected" formal or informal?

"It was unexpected" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though synonyms might be more appropriate for highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "it was unexpected" and "it was surprising"?

While similar, "it was unexpected" emphasizes the lack of anticipation, while "it was surprising" highlights the feeling of astonishment caused by the event.