surprised to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

"surprised to learn" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the feeling of being surprised after discovering something unexpected. Example: I was surprised to learn that the movie was based on a book.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were surprised to learn that rents had soared citywide.

The New York Times

I was surprised to learn what I didn't yet know.

The New York Times

They might be surprised to learn that I'm from Venus".

Independent

A critical father, I wouldn't be surprised to learn.

Independent

Coleman was surprised to learn that Fadl wasn't particularly religious.

The New Yorker

Afterward, she was surprised to learn that this wasn't normal.

The New Yorker

Ahmed was surprised to learn that she was only 64.

The New York Times - Magazine

He's surprised to learn about Preston's unhealthy – and unwelcome – accolade.

The Guardian

Most biologists will be surprised to learn this.

The New York Times - Books

Guardian readers won't be surprised to learn it's not mine.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was really surprised to learn it was that old.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "astonished", "amazed", or "startled" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "surprised to learn" within a short passage. This can make your writing sound monotonous. Instead, employ a range of expressions like "taken aback", "astonished", or rephrase the sentence entirely to convey surprise in different ways.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprised to learn" functions as an adjective phrase, expressing a state of being surprised upon acquiring new information. Ludwig AI validates this usage with numerous real-world examples. It commonly introduces a clause that details the surprising information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "surprised to learn" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express astonishment upon discovering new information. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While highly adaptable, it's advisable to avoid overuse and consider related phrases like "astonished to learn" or "startled to learn" to enhance writing variety. Pay attention to the register, ensuring it aligns with the intended audience. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively convey surprise and engage their readers. The phrase is prevalent in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, affirming its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

startled to learn

Similar to "surprised to learn" but implies a more sudden or abrupt shock.

astonished to learn

Indicates a greater level of surprise or amazement than "surprised to learn".

amazed to discover

Focuses on the feeling of wonder and delight at the discovery.

shocked to find out

Suggests a negative or disturbing surprise.

taken aback to hear

Implies a brief moment of stunned surprise upon hearing something.

caught off guard to see

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the discovery.

never expected to learn

Highlights the complete lack of anticipation for the information.

find it surprising to learn

Changes the structure, focusing on the act of finding something surprising.

to my surprise I learned

Emphasizes the speaker's personal surprise.

it came as a surprise to learn

Uses a more formal and indirect way to express surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "surprised to learn" in a sentence?

"Surprised to learn" is typically followed by a "that" clause or an infinitive phrase. For example, "I was surprised to learn that he was the director" or "She was surprised to learn about the new policy".

What are some alternatives to "surprised to learn"?

You can use alternatives like "startled to learn", "astonished to learn", or "amazed to discover" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "surprised to know" instead of "surprised to learn"?

While "surprised to know" is grammatically correct, "surprised to learn" is more common when referring to the acquisition of new information. "Surprised to know" is better suited when expressing surprise at a pre-existing fact.

What's the difference between "surprised to hear" and "surprised to learn"?

"Surprised to hear" implies that you received the information through auditory means (e.g., someone told you), while "surprised to learn" is more general and can refer to discovering information through any means (reading, observation, etc.).