sense of surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

"sense of surprise" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an emotion, usually when something unexpected has happened. For example: "I felt a sudden sense of surprise when my friend showed up at my door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's the sense of surprise," he said.

The New York Times

The sense of surprise was palpable.

The New York Times - Food

A sense of surprise was among his greatest gifts.

The New Yorker

Frank Warren watched it with a heavy heart, though not with any great sense of surprise.

Independent

But the sense of surprise remains with you, and it scarcely dissipates with repeated listening.

The New York Times - Arts

By extension, when does this sense of surprise at the development of your children end?

The New Yorker

Adding to the sense of surprise and revelation, these images are arranged in striking pairs.

The Washington Post

Characteristically, Nevins made an instant decision, based almost entirely on her sense of surprise.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has also instilled in her a sense of surprise at her success as a writer.

The Guardian

And one of the things you want to do is return a sense of surprise?

The New York Times

Decades later, that sense of surprise remains intact, and it has been an impressive life.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of surprise" to effectively convey the feeling of unexpectedness or astonishment, particularly when describing reactions to events or discoveries.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of surprise" when describing events that are inherently predictable or expected, as this can diminish the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of surprise" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific emotion or state of mind. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Arts

20%

General Usage

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of surprise" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the feeling of unexpectedness or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility. Predominantly found in News & Media and Arts contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences. To enhance your writing, use "sense of surprise" to describe reactions to unexpected events, but be mindful to avoid predictable contexts. Consider alternatives like "feeling of astonishment" for a more intense emotion, or "element of wonder" for an emphasis on awe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of astonishment

Focuses more on the intensity of the surprise, implying a greater degree of shock or amazement.

element of wonder

Emphasizes the awe and amazement associated with the surprising event, rather than the initial shock.

jolt of amazement

Highlights the sudden and impactful nature of the surprise.

unexpected revelation

Indicates a surprising discovery or unveiling of something previously unknown.

startling discovery

Stresses the unexpected nature of the finding, suggesting it may be somewhat shocking.

unforeseen event

Focuses on the lack of anticipation for the event, rather than the emotional response.

sudden realization

Emphasizes the moment of understanding that accompanies the surprise.

shocking turn of events

Highlights the unexpected and potentially negative nature of the situation.

unanticipated outcome

Focuses on the result being different from what was expected.

pleasant shock

Specifically describes a positive surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of surprise" to describe a feeling of unexpectedness or astonishment. For example, "I felt a sudden sense of surprise when I won the lottery".

What's a more formal way to express "sense of surprise"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "feeling of astonishment" or "element of wonder".

Is it always appropriate to use "sense of surprise"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "sense of surprise" in contexts where predictability is high. Instead, choose words that better reflect the actual emotional response.

What's the difference between "sense of surprise" and "feeling of surprise"?

The phrases "sense of surprise" and "feeling of surprise" are largely interchangeable. "Sense" often implies a more cognitive awareness, while "feeling" emphasizes the emotional aspect.