surprising development

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surprising development" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected change or event that has occurred, often in news articles or reports. Example: "The surprising development in the case has left many experts questioning the initial findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's a surprising development.

The New York Times - Tech

This was a surprising development.

The New Yorker

On Monday, though, there came a significant and surprising development.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the most surprising development came from the bullpen.

The New York Times - Sports

A surprising development has made it even stranger.

The New York Times

In a surprising development, the covers are on, and not for aesthetic purposes.

The Guardian - Sport

Perhaps the most surprising development, however, has been the arrival of Southern Californians in Jacksonville.

The New York Times

Boras did not return telephone calls seeking comment on the surprising development.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Crimi said a surprising development last week might push Tate & Lyle to settle.

The New York Times

And a surprising development gave me my first exposure to Anthony.

The New York Times - Arts

He scored six of his seven trumps, a most surprising development looking at the total layout.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surprising development" when you want to highlight the unexpected nature of a change or event, especially in formal writing.

Common error

In casual conversations or less formal writing, consider using simpler alternatives like "unexpected twist" or "sudden change" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprising development" functions as a noun phrase, where "surprising" modifies the noun "development". It introduces an event, situation, or piece of information that was not anticipated or expected. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surprising development" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce an unexpected event or change, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for formal reporting and analysis. While versatile, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives in less formal settings. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the unexpected nature of something, setting the stage for further explanation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected turn of events

Focuses on the sequence of events being altered unexpectedly.

unforeseen circumstance

Highlights that the event was not predicted or anticipated.

remarkable occurrence

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy nature of the event.

astonishing revelation

Suggests the development involves the unveiling of new information.

sudden twist

Implies an abrupt and unexpected change in the situation.

unpredicted outcome

Highlights that the result was not anticipated or expected.

startling disclosure

Emphasizes the shocking or alarming nature of the revealed information.

out-of-the-blue incident

Indicates that the event happened without any prior warning.

chance happening

Focuses on the element of randomness or coincidence.

unanticipated event

Simple synonym that focuses on the fact that this event was not expected.

FAQs

How to use "surprising development" in a sentence?

You can use "surprising development" to introduce an unexpected event or change. For example, "A "surprising development" in the negotiations led to a breakthrough."

What can I say instead of "surprising development"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected turn of events", "unforeseen circumstance", or "remarkable occurrence" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "surprising development" or "unexpected development"?

Both "surprising development" and "unexpected development" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "surprising development" and "significant development"?

"Surprising development" emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event, while "significant development" highlights its importance or impact.