kind of unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kind of unexpected" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used when something is not in line with what one was expecting. For example: "My friend's sudden decision to move to a different country was kind of unexpected".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The album could conceivably give Sanders a kind of unexpected credibility as a national candidate.

The New Yorker

This shows a kind of unexpected genius behind taxes on the very highest incomes.

The Guardian

"President Trump did not want to cause that kind of unexpected disruption to the city and its people," Sanders said.

The Guardian

But none of them has undergone the kind of unexpected and alarming metamorphosis that Aung San Suu Kyi has.

The New Yorker

It's an intelligent, consistently involving thriller with the kind of unexpected melodramatic events that crop up in all US elections.

The Guardian - Film

It's the kind of unexpected, and vaguely kinky, detail that tends to induce compulsive shopping disorder in Manolo Blahnik fans.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

This season has brought all kinds of unexpected strife in elephant country.

The New York Times

For Hillary, New York offers an opportunity for all kinds of unexpected political behavior.

The New Yorker

Turn a corner and it pops into view, from all kinds of unexpected places.

The New York Times

Apparently, what Emily Post termed good manners (science prefers "gratitude intervention") has all kinds of unexpected benefits.

The New York Times

Monets for Las Vegas These days museums do all kinds of unexpected things for exposure and money.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kind of unexpected" to soften a statement when describing an event or outcome that deviates slightly from expectations. It adds a nuance of understatement.

Common error

Avoid using "kind of unexpected" excessively in a single piece of writing, as it can make your language sound repetitive and uninspired. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "somewhat surprising" or "a little surprising".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kind of unexpected" functions as a qualifier, modifying an adjective (unexpected) to soften or downplay the degree of surprise. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "kind of unexpected" is a common and grammatically sound way to express mild surprise or a slight deviation from expectations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media but also appears in scientific contexts. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "somewhat unanticipated" or "a bit surprising". Remember, using "kind of unexpected" is appropriate when you want to soften the degree of surprise, adding a touch of understatement to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mildly surprising

Directly expresses a low level of surprise.

somewhat unanticipated

Replaces "kind of" with "somewhat" for a slightly more formal tone, and uses "unanticipated" instead of "unexpected".

rather unforeseen

Employs "rather" for "kind of" and "unforeseen" for "unexpected", indicating something not predicted.

somewhat unpredicted

Replaces "unexpected" with "unpredicted", meaning not anticipated or foreseen.

a bit surprising

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the sense of mild surprise.

a little surprising

Uses more basic vocabulary to express the idea.

slightly startling

Indicates a mild degree of surprise or shock.

not entirely anticipated

Indicates that something was partially expected but not fully.

somewhat out of the blue

Implies something happened suddenly and unexpectedly.

rather out of left field

Suggests something unconventional and unexpected occurred.

FAQs

How can I use "kind of unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "kind of unexpected" to describe events or situations that were not fully anticipated. For instance, "The positive response to the new product was "kind of unexpected"."

What are some alternatives to saying "kind of unexpected"?

Alternatives include "somewhat surprising", "slightly startling", or "mildly surprising", depending on the context and the degree of surprise you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "kind of unexpected"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase is commonly used in both spoken and written English to express a mild level of surprise.

What's the difference between "kind of unexpected" and "completely unexpected"?

"Kind of unexpected" implies a mild surprise or something not fully anticipated, while "completely unexpected" suggests a total lack of anticipation or a major surprise.