perhaps unexpectedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'perhaps unexpectedly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to suggest that something has happened that was not anticipated. For example: The team won the game, perhaps unexpectedly, by a score of 3-2.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps unexpectedly, neither well-conducted business process re-engineering nor good project management necessarily lead to competitive advantage.

International Journal of Project Management

But mathematics shows us that we can sometimes achieve fairness, perhaps unexpectedly, in purely adversarial settings.

The Washington Post

Perhaps unexpectedly, early trials of combined hormonal contraception started out among patients trying to conceive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps unexpectedly, there is no discernible relationship between the type of behavior and stock price reaction.

Harvard Business Review

Perhaps unexpectedly, the story of Katniss Everdeen still has energy and internal coherence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His focus, perhaps unexpectedly, isn't on the 2008 crash and the great recession that followed.

The Guardian - Books

Creswell is the only known example of cave art in the UK, but rock art, perhaps unexpectedly, is extremely common.

Independent

When a corporation believes in putting its money into that, and gathering crowds to watch something, perhaps unexpectedly, that's important".

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps unexpectedly, the unifying force they focus on is religion.America's religiosity has been extensively documented and should surprise no one.

The Economist

But No. 7 out of 369 metropolitan areas, perhaps unexpectedly for those not living there, is Elkhart, Ind.

The New York Times

This shortfall, however, is balanced by the quality of the building and, perhaps unexpectedly, by the quality of the location.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perhaps unexpectedly" to introduce a fact or observation that contradicts common assumptions or previous information. This creates a sense of intrigue and encourages the reader to reconsider their initial understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "perhaps unexpectedly" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact and become repetitive. Strive for a balance between highlighting surprises and allowing the information to speak for itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perhaps unexpectedly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb, adjective, or entire clause. It serves to indicate that the information being presented is in some way surprising or contrary to what might be anticipated. Ludwig provides many examples that show how it's used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "perhaps unexpectedly" is a versatile and frequently used expression that introduces an element of surprise or contradiction. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and well-suited for various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business communications. Its purpose is to signal a deviation from the norm, prompting readers to reassess their assumptions. While "perhaps unexpectedly" is widely accepted, overuse should be avoided to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "surprisingly enough" or "contrary to expectations" can provide variety and prevent redundancy. Using "perhaps unexpectedly" correctly enhances the nuance and intrigue of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contrary to expectations

This alternative highlights the contrast between what was anticipated and what actually occurred.

it may come as a surprise

This alternative directly states that the information may be unexpected.

surprisingly enough

This alternative emphasizes the speaker's surprise at the situation.

to everyone's surprise

This alternative emphasizes the collective surprise of a group.

in an unforeseen manner

This alternative is more formal and stresses the lack of anticipation.

unanticipatedly

This alternative is a more formal and concise adverb.

against all odds

This alternative suggests a situation that was highly improbable.

in an unusual turn of events

This alternative highlights the atypical nature of the situation.

as it turns out

This alternative reveals a situation that was not initially apparent.

who would have thought

This alternative is more informal and rhetorical, expressing disbelief.

FAQs

How can I use "perhaps unexpectedly" in a sentence?

You can use "perhaps unexpectedly" to introduce a statement that might surprise the reader, like: "The company's profits increased, "perhaps unexpectedly", despite the economic downturn.

What's a good alternative to "perhaps unexpectedly"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly enough", "contrary to expectations", or "in an unforeseen manner", depending on the level of formality you desire.

Is it always necessary to use "perhaps" before "unexpectedly"?

No, using "unexpectedly" alone is often sufficient. Adding "perhaps" softens the statement and acknowledges that the surprise might be subjective, but both versions are grammatically correct.

Can "perhaps unexpectedly" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "perhaps unexpectedly" is suitable for formal writing. It can be used in academic papers, reports, and professional correspondence to introduce an element of surprise or counter-intuitive information. However, in some formal contexts, stronger alternatives like "contrary to expectations" may be preferred.