may be surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "may be surprising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing information that might not be expected or could catch the reader off guard. Example: "The results of the study may be surprising to some, as they contradict previous findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which team he supports may be surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

The answer, however, may be surprising.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For non-Natives, this may be surprising.

The New York Times

Some results may be surprising.

The New York Times

This result may be surprising.

The Washington Post

The answer may be surprising.

The Washington Post

None of that may be surprising.

The New York Times

And some of the answers may be surprising.

The New York Times

Considering that these are top-level competitors, the number of injuries may be surprising.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet what is considered to be Wall Street may be surprising.

The New York Times

That Slahi has preserved a sense of humour after so many years behind bars in Jordan, Afghanistan and Cuba may be surprising.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "may be surprising" with a brief explanation or context to clarify why the information might not be immediately obvious. This provides clarity and prevents confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "may be surprising" as a mere stylistic flourish without providing a genuinely surprising element. Ensure the subsequent information truly warrants the introduction to maintain credibility and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "may be surprising" functions as an introductory element, setting the stage for information that might not align with common expectations. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is often used to preface facts or results that could potentially challenge or contradict prevailing beliefs. It serves to capture the reader's attention and encourage further engagement with the subsequent content.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "may be surprising" serves as a valuable tool for introducing unexpected information and engaging readers. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including News & Media and Science, make it a versatile choice. To maximize its impact, ensure that the subsequent content genuinely warrants the element of surprise, and always provide sufficient context for clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively utilize "may be surprising" to pique curiosity and encourage deeper exploration of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be unexpected

Direct synonym replacement that focuses on the lack of anticipation.

could be astonishing

Replaces "surprising" with a stronger term that implies a higher degree of amazement.

might come as a surprise

Emphasizes the element of unexpectedness, focusing on the reaction or feeling it evokes.

could take you by surprise

Emphasizes that something can affects you and make you feel surprise.

might defy expectations

Suggests a challenge to preconceived notions or standard beliefs.

could be startling

Implies a sudden, perhaps shocking, surprise.

could prove unexpected

Suggests a future event that deviates from current expectations.

might catch you off guard

Focuses on the unpreparedness and lack of anticipation.

could seem improbable

Highlights the low likelihood of something being true or happening.

might raise eyebrows

Specifically implies that something is unconventional or causes astonishment.

FAQs

How can I use "may be surprising" in a sentence?

Use "may be surprising" to introduce a fact, result, or opinion that contrasts with typical assumptions or expectations. For example, "The results of the experiment "may be surprising", given the previous research in the field."

What can I say instead of "may be surprising"?

You can use alternatives like "might be unexpected", "could prove astonishing", or "might raise eyebrows" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "might be surprising" instead of "may be surprising"?

Yes, "might be surprising" is a grammatically correct and semantically similar alternative. The choice between "may" and "might" often depends on the degree of possibility or uncertainty you want to convey.

What's the difference between "may be surprising" and "is surprising"?

"May be surprising" suggests a possibility or a subjective assessment of surprise, while "is surprising" states a more definitive or objective observation that something is indeed surprising. The first is more cautious.