quite surprised

USAGE SUMMARY

"quite surprised" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is more than mildly surprising. For example, "The witnesses were quite surprised when the accused was acquitted of all charges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shreves, quite surprised, accepted.

The Washington Post

Yes, I was quite surprised.

The New York Times

I was quite surprised.

The Guardian - Sport

Moon was quite surprised".

The New Yorker

"I'm quite surprised," he said.

The New York Times

"Actually I was quite surprised.

The Guardian - Sport

"I'm quite surprised how moved I was".

Independent

"I felt quite surprised and very elated.

The Guardian - Books

"We were actually quite surprised," she said.

The New York Times

"I was quite surprised," Buscha said.

The Guardian

"I was quite surprised when OCW took over my life.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite surprised" when you want to express a moderate level of surprise, stronger than 'slightly surprised' but less intense than 'completely astonished'. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "quite surprised" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound less professional. Consider using stronger or more nuanced alternatives like "somewhat astonished" or "mildly shocked" to convey a more impactful message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite surprised" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of moderate surprise. Ludwig provides numerous examples where individuals express that they were "quite surprised" by certain events or revelations, indicating a common way to express a feeling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "quite surprised" is a common and versatile way to express a moderate level of surprise. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in a variety of contexts. While it is appropriate for both formal and informal situations, users should be mindful of overuse in formal writing, where more nuanced alternatives may be preferable. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, academic writing, and scientific publications, reflecting its broad applicability. When seeking alternatives, phrases like "somewhat astonished", "a little taken aback", or "mildly shocked" can provide subtle variations in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

somewhat astonished

Implies a slightly more formal and intense level of surprise than "quite surprised".

rather astonished

Expresses a high degree of surprise, similar to 'quite astonished' but can sound more formal.

somewhat amazed

Indicates a level of surprise mixed with admiration or wonder.

a little taken aback

Indicates a brief moment of surprise or confusion, often due to something unexpected.

a bit floored

Describes a stronger surprise that leaves someone speechless or unable to react immediately.

mildly shocked

Suggests a gentler level of surprise that involves a small element of shock.

caught off guard

Highlights the unexpectedness of the situation that leads to the surprise.

slightly startled

Refers to a sudden, but not overwhelming, surprise that causes a small jump or reaction.

not expecting that

Focuses on the absence of anticipation leading to the surprise.

relatively impressed

Signifies that there was surprise but the origin is due to being impressed by something.

FAQs

How can I use "quite surprised" in a sentence?

"Quite surprised" is used to express a moderate level of surprise. For example, "I was "quite surprised" to see her at the party."

What can I say instead of "quite surprised"?

You can use alternatives like "somewhat astonished", "a little taken aback", or "mildly shocked" depending on the context.

Is "quite surprised" more formal or informal?

"Quite surprised" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, offering a versatile way to express moderate surprise.

What's the difference between "quite surprised" and "very surprised"?

"Quite surprised" indicates a moderate level of surprise, while "very surprised" suggests a higher degree of astonishment.