surprised by

USAGE SUMMARY

"surprised by" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when talking about something unexpected. For example, "We were all surprised by the sudden change in the weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm surprised by that.

The New York Times

I'm not surprised by anything.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm really surprised by this.

The New York Times

She is surprised by this.

The New Yorker

Are students surprised by this?

The Guardian

Were you surprised by that?

The New York Times - Magazine

I was surprised by that.

The New York Times

I'm surprised by these results.

Independent

Were you surprised by anything?

The New York Times

"I was surprised by it.

Independent

Is Gensemer surprised by that?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "surprised by", ensure the object of your surprise is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, "I was surprised by the sudden change in policy" is more specific than "I was surprised."

Common error

While "surprised by" is generally preferred, some writers incorrectly use "surprised at". "Surprised by" is more commonly used when the surprise is caused by something, whereas "surprised at" is for reactions to events or news. To maintain clarity and conform to standard usage, favor "surprised by" when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprised by" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, indicating a state of astonishment or unexpectedness caused by something. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples from diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surprised by" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a feeling of unexpectedness or astonishment. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. It is crucial to use the correct preposition "by" rather than alternatives like "at" or "of". While alternatives like "astonished by" or "amazed by" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Overall, ensuring clarity and specifying the cause of surprise is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astonished by

Indicates a strong feeling of surprise, often implying disbelief or wonder.

astounded by

Indicates being greatly impressed and surprised.

amazed by

Implies a sense of wonder and delight in addition to surprise.

shocked by

Suggests a more intense and often negative surprise.

startled by

Indicates a sudden and often slight surprise.

taken aback by

Implies being caught off guard or slightly disoriented by something unexpected.

caught off guard by

This expression highlights the unpreparedness for the event causing the surprise.

flabbergasted by

Suggests being completely overwhelmed with surprise and confusion.

dumbfounded by

Suggests being so surprised that one is temporarily speechless.

dismayed by

Conveys a feeling of disappointment and surprise.

FAQs

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

Use "surprised by" to express that something unexpected has happened or been revealed. For example, "I was "surprised by" the positive feedback on my presentation."

What's the difference between "surprised by" and "surprised at"?

While both express surprise, "surprised by" is generally used when the surprise is caused by something, whereas "surprised at" expresses a reaction to something. However, "surprised by" is more common and often preferred.

What can I say instead of "surprised by"?

You can use alternatives like "astonished by", "amazed by", or "shocked by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am surprised of" instead of "I am surprised by"?

No, "surprised of" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use with "surprised" in this context is "by". You should always use ""surprised by"".