quite unexpectedly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite unexpectedly" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, it is used to add emphasis to the unexpected nature of something. For example: "Quite unexpectedly, he arrived five minutes before the meeting started."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Quite unexpectedly, I got laughs".

Independent

This is quite unexpectedly good.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Our petition, quite unexpectedly, took off.

Independent

But quite unexpectedly, Kim admitted to them.

The Economist

Quite unexpectedly, she got the job.

The Guardian

"I will say, quite unexpectedly, it enriched my life tremendously".

The New York Times

"Do you love me?" Sallie said, quite unexpectedly.

The New Yorker

And she does so, quite unexpectedly, now: "Still.

The Guardian

"Then one afternoon, I quite unexpectedly kissed her".

The New York Times

And moreover, they can happen quite swiftly, and quite unexpectedly".

The Guardian

Finally one summer, they did make friends, quite unexpectedly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing when using "quite unexpectedly". While appropriate in many contexts, it may sound slightly informal in highly formal or academic writing. Choose synonyms like "unforeseen" or "unanticipated" in such cases.

Common error

Avoid using "quite unexpectedly" when describing outcomes that are reasonably predictable. Its impact is diminished when applied to situations where a degree of surprise is already implied, making it sound redundant or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite unexpectedly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action occurred. Ludwig examples showcase it emphasizing the surprise element of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quite unexpectedly" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to underscore the surprising nature of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across varied contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. While suitable for most writing, it may require nuanced alternatives in highly formal settings. Remember to leverage it effectively to convey genuine surprise and avoid overuse in predictable situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather surprisingly

Similar to the original phrase but uses "surprisingly" instead of "unexpectedly".

completely by surprise

Focuses on the element of surprise and lack of preparation.

totally unanticipated

Highlights the lack of prior expectation or planning.

altogether unforeseen

Stresses the inability to predict or anticipate the event.

entirely out of the blue

Emphasizes the sudden and complete lack of warning.

in an unpredicted fashion

Focuses on the deviation from any predicted or expected outcome.

in a wholly unexpected manner

More formal and emphasizes the complete deviation from what was expected.

quite astonishingly

Conveys a greater degree of amazement or wonder.

without warning

Highlights the lack of any prior indication or signal.

all of a sudden

Indicates a sudden and abrupt occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "quite unexpectedly" to emphasize that something happened in a surprising or unforeseen way. For example, "Quite unexpectedly, the sun began to shine after a week of rain."

What are some alternatives to saying "quite unexpectedly"?

Alternatives include phrases like "entirely out of the blue", "completely by surprise", or "totally unanticipated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "quite unexpectedly" formal or informal?

"Quite unexpectedly" is generally considered appropriate for both neutral and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated synonym like "altogether unforeseen" or "in a wholly unexpected manner".

Does "quite unexpectedly" have the same meaning as "suddenly"?

While both indicate something happening rapidly, "quite unexpectedly" emphasizes the lack of anticipation, whereas "suddenly" focuses on the speed of the event. For example, the phrase "all of a sudden" is similar to "suddenly" but does not necessarily mean the event was surprising.