surprise them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surprise them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of causing someone to feel astonished or taken aback, often in a positive or unexpected way. Example: "I planned a surprise party for her birthday to truly surprise them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why did rain surprise them?

The New York Times

Nothing seemed to surprise them.

The New Yorker

Don't surprise them.

The Guardian

Does anything on the map surprise them?

The New York Times

What happens next may surprise them.

The New York Times

At best, the Palestinians might surprise them.

The New York Times

The president, however, could surprise them.

The New York Times

Violations of that expectation surprise them.

Harvard Business Review

But it did not surprise them.

The New York Times

The soldiers had planned to surprise them.

The New York Times

"I am going to surprise them all".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to create a memorable experience, use "surprise them" in contexts where the unexpectedness adds value or delight. For instance, "surprise them" with a thoughtful gift or an unexpected act of kindness to strengthen relationships.

Common error

Avoid using "surprise them" excessively in formal or professional writing, as it can sometimes sound informal or lacking in precision. In such situations, consider more sophisticated alternatives like "amaze them" or "astonish them" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprise them" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "surprise" is the verb and "them" is the object. It describes the action of causing someone to feel astonishment or unexpected delight. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science & Research

8%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surprise them" is a versatile and common way to describe causing someone to feel astonishment or unexpected delight. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable. While generally neutral in register, it leans toward informal, suggesting that more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional or academic contexts. When aiming to create a memorable experience, the phrase can be particularly effective, such as "surprising them" with a thoughtful gift. Be mindful of overusing it in highly formal writing, where alternatives like "amaze them" or "astonish them" might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take them by surprise

This alternative directly emphasizes the act of surprising someone.

astonish them

This alternative emphasizes a greater level of amazement compared to simply surprising someone.

amaze them

Similar to "astonish them", this suggests a strong feeling of wonder and delight.

catch them off guard

This focuses on the unexpectedness of the action, highlighting the lack of preparation.

stun them

This suggests a strong emotional impact from the surprise, possibly causing temporary shock.

wow them

A more informal way to suggest impressing or amazing someone.

startle them

Focuses on causing a sudden feeling of surprise or alarm.

dazzle them

Implies impressing them with a brilliant or showy display.

give them a shock

Highlights the sudden and unexpected nature of the surprise, potentially causing a jolt.

bowl them over

Suggests overwhelming someone with surprise, often in a positive way.

FAQs

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

You can use "surprise them" to describe an action intended to cause astonishment or unexpected delight. For example, "I planned a surprise party to "take them by surprise"" or "We decided to "catch them off guard" with a weekend getaway".

What are some alternatives to "surprise them"?

Alternatives to "surprise them" include "astonish them", "amaze them", or "catch them off guard". The best choice depends on the specific context and the intended level of impact.

Is "surprise them" suitable for formal writing?

While "surprise them" is grammatically correct, it may sound informal in certain formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "impress them" or "astound them" to maintain a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "surprise them" and "take them by surprise"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "take them by surprise" emphasizes the act of catching someone off guard, whereas "surprise them" focuses more generally on causing a feeling of astonishment. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.