not that surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not that surprising" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is expected or not unexpected in a given context. Example: "Given the recent events, the outcome of the election was not that surprising."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not that surprising that the accomplished musician feels this way; he's busked himself before.

The Guardian

It's perhaps not that surprising then, that the much-talked-about graduate premium doesn't always materialise.

Vice

It's not that surprising that labour issues are being viewed through the lens of migration.

Vice

That's not that surprising.

The New York Times

Probably not that surprising.

The New York Times - Books

Which is perhaps not that surprising.

The Economist

But her victory is not that surprising.

The Economist

This is, of course, not that surprising.

The Guardian - Opinion

And frankly it's not that surprising.

The Guardian - Business

But they are not that surprising.

The New York Times

And bumps in the road are not that surprising.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "not that surprising", ensure the context provides sufficient information for the listener or reader to understand why the event is not unexpected. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "not that surprising" in highly formal or academic writing, where more sophisticated language might be expected. Opt for phrases like "hardly unexpected" or "unsurprising development" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not that surprising" primarily functions as a comment or reaction to a situation or event. It serves to express that something is within the realm of expectation and does not cause significant astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not that surprising" is a versatile expression used to convey a lack of astonishment or to indicate that an event was reasonably expected. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and broad usage across diverse contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings, highlights its reliability and effectiveness in communication. While suitable for neutral register, consider more formal alternatives such as "hardly unexpected" or "unsurprising development" in academic writing. With its high frequency and clear communicative purpose, mastering the use of "not that surprising" enhances clarity and nuance in expressing expectations and reactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be expected

Simply states that the event was anticipated.

no great surprise

Emphasizes the lack of significant astonishment.

unsurprising development

Highlights the lack of novelty in the unfolding situation.

hardly unexpected

Emphasizes the lack of surprise by highlighting the expected nature of the event.

hardly a shock

Indicates that the event did not cause any significant emotional reaction.

scarcely astonishing

Implies that the event is not particularly impressive or noteworthy.

predictable outcome

Focuses on the foreseeability of the result, rather than the lack of surprise.

foreseeable result

Similar to 'predictable outcome' but emphasizes the ability to see it coming.

par for the course

Suggests that the event is typical or expected in a given situation.

hardly earth-shattering

Conveys the idea that the event is not particularly important or impactful.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "not that surprising"?

You can use alternatives like "hardly unexpected", "unsurprising development", or "to be expected" depending on the context.

How do I use "not that surprising" in a sentence?

"Not that surprising" is typically used to express that something is not unexpected. For example: "Given the circumstances, the outcome was not that surprising."

Is "not that surprising" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not that surprising" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. It follows standard grammatical rules and is widely understood.

What's the difference between "not that surprising" and "not that unexpected"?

The phrases "not that surprising" and "not that unexpected" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. However, "not that surprising" might imply a slightly stronger sense of mild interest or curiosity than "not that unexpected".