spring a surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

'spring a surprise' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is unexpected and exciting. For example, "My parents sprang a surprise on me for my graduation and took me to Paris for a week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Don't be that surprised if Scotland spring a surprise.

The Guardian - Sport

But could one of the outsiders spring a surprise?

Independent

But the sentence evolves beyond pathos to spring a surprise.

The Guardian - Books

Could Big Bang's vehement fandom spring a surprise?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And if he does spring a surprise on Sunday?

The Guardian - Sport

Even the forbidding industrial chairs spring a surprise.

The New York Times - Food

He can spring a surprise like taking Nigeria under sharia law.

The Guardian

The Slovaks' real chances to spring a surprise had come earlier.

The New York Times - Sports

It wouldn't be the first primary race in Wisconsin to spring a surprise.

The New Yorker

Will the hosts spring a surprise and take advantage of India's rustiness?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

One look at the Chilean team sheet, however, and it's hard for much of that head-held-high, boys-are-excited, spring-a-surprise positivity not to evaporate.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spring a surprise" to describe an event, action, or piece of information that is unexpected and often welcome, especially in narratives or predictions.

Common error

While "spring a surprise" is widely accepted, avoid using it in extremely formal or academic writing where a more direct or precise term might be preferable. Consider alternatives like "unexpectedly reveal" or "present an unforeseen development".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spring a surprise" functions as a verb phrase where "spring" acts as a verb meaning to cause to appear or happen unexpectedly, and "a surprise" functions as a noun phrase, representing the unexpected event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

30%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spring a surprise" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something unexpected and often welcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide array of contexts, especially in news and media, sports reporting, and book writing. While it might be too informal for certain academic or professional settings, its versatility and clear meaning make it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to use it when you want to convey an element of unexpectedness or anticipation, and consider using alternatives like ""pull off a surprise"" or "deliver a shock" to tailor the nuance to your specific need.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull off a surprise

This alternative emphasizes the successful execution of an unexpected act.

deliver a shock

This alternative highlights the element of shock or astonishment caused by the surprise.

throw a curveball

This idiom suggests introducing an unexpected twist or difficulty.

produce an upset

This is mainly used in the context of sports, competition, or politics.

catch off guard

Focuses on the action of taking someone by surprise.

cause a stir

This focuses on the excitement or commotion resulting from the unexpected event.

present an unexpected twist

This implies a sudden change or alteration in a story or situation.

create a sensation

This emphasizes the widespread interest or excitement generated by the surprise.

unveil a revelation

This suggests the revealing of something previously hidden or unknown.

stage an unexpected event

This is a more literal alternative, focusing on the orchestration of the surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "spring a surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "spring a surprise" to indicate an unexpected event or revelation, as in "The team might "pull off a surprise" and win the championship".

What are some alternatives to "spring a surprise"?

Some alternatives to "spring a surprise" include phrases like "deliver a shock", "produce an upset", or "throw a curveball", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "spring a surprise" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "spring a surprise" might be too informal for highly academic or professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "unexpectedly reveal".

What does it mean to say someone "sprang a surprise"?

To say someone "sprang a surprise" means they unexpectedly revealed something or took an action that was not anticipated. For example, "She "caught off guard" by announcing her resignation".