major surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an unexpected event or outcome that is significant in nature. Example: "The announcement of the new product was a major surprise to everyone in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The move was not a major surprise.

The New York Times - Sports

This was a major surprise.

The New York Times

It hasn't come as any major surprise to me.

Independent

The major surprise was G.M.'s declining performance in Asia.

The New York Times

It would not be a major surprise if she won.

The Guardian - Sport

Coming from Steven Spielberg, this is a major surprise.

The Guardian

Or will he pull out another major surprise at Firestone by announcing a permanent replacement?

The New York Times - Sports

ON Nov. 5, in a major surprise, Balenciaga announced that Mr. Ghesquière was leaving.

The New York Times

Barring some major surprise, this campaign will be about the economy.

The New Yorker

At this point, it would be a major surprise if Rose didn't take M.V.P. honors.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He has been a major surprise in the 2016 campaign.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider if "unexpected development" or "startling discovery" might be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

Common error

While "major surprise" is widely acceptable, avoid overusing it in casual conversations. Alternatives like "big shock" or "complete bombshell" can add color and variety to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major surprise" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "major" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "surprise". As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is used to denote something unexpected and significant.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major surprise" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase to denote something unexpected and significant. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It functions as a noun phrase and is commonly found in neutral to professional contexts, especially in News & Media, as confirmed by Ludwig's analysis. While versatile, it’s important to consider the specific context and choose more descriptive alternatives like "big shock" or "startling discovery" where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

big shock

Implies a sudden and often unpleasant surprise, emphasizing the impact more than the unexpectedness.

great astonishment

Highlights the feeling of intense surprise and wonder, focusing on the emotional response.

huge revelation

Emphasizes the unveiling of something previously unknown, focusing on the disclosure aspect.

unexpected development

Stresses the unforeseen nature of an event, suitable for formal contexts.

startling discovery

Highlights the finding of something surprising, particularly in scientific or investigative contexts.

complete bombshell

Suggests a shocking and disruptive surprise, often with negative connotations.

unforeseen twist

Implies an unexpected turn of events, often used in narrative contexts.

out-of-the-blue event

Highlights the completely unexpected and unprompted nature of the event.

jaw-dropping occurrence

Emphasizes the amazement and disbelief caused by the surprise.

flabbergasting incident

Highlights the bewildering and shocking nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "major surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "major surprise" to describe an unexpected event or outcome that is significant. For example, "The announcement of the new product was a "major surprise" to everyone in the industry."

What can I say instead of "major surprise"?

You can use alternatives like "big shock", "great astonishment", or "unexpected development" depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "major surprise"?

While generally acceptable, "major surprise" might sound slightly formal in very casual settings. Consider using alternatives like "big shock" or "bombshell" in informal conversations.

What is the difference between "major surprise" and "minor surprise"?

"Major surprise" indicates a significant and impactful unexpected event, while "minor surprise" refers to a less consequential and smaller unexpected event.