surprisingly enough

USAGE SUMMARY

'surprisingly enough' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a fact or idea that is unexpected or contrary to what might be expected. For example: "Surprisingly enough, ice cream is one of the most difficult desserts to make at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Surprisingly enough, it's accurate.

The Guardian - Film

And, surprisingly enough, it worked.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly enough, big domestic disruptions followed.

The New Yorker

LEIGH -- It was pretty effortless, surprisingly enough.

The New York Times - Arts

The answer, surprisingly enough, is millions.

The New York Times - Tech

And business, surprisingly enough, is booming.

The New York Times

Surprisingly enough, their rivalry appears to be friendly.

The New Yorker

The answer, surprisingly enough, may be: not much.

The New Yorker

She was referring, surprisingly enough, to her namesake shoe label.

The New York Times

Surprisingly enough, this selection contains some real downers.

The New Yorker

Surprisingly enough, it often soars to heights of not bad.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surprisingly enough" to introduce a fact that contrasts with a previous statement or general knowledge to create emphasis or mild surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "surprisingly enough" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive and diminish its impact. Use it sparingly to highlight genuinely unexpected information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprisingly enough" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies the entire sentence, expressing the speaker's or writer's surprise at the statement that follows. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

17%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Surprisingly enough" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce unexpected or contrasting information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While its frequent usage makes it a valuable tool for writers, it is important to use it sparingly to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "oddly enough" or "unexpectedly" can be used to avoid repetition. When used correctly, "surprisingly enough" effectively signals a twist or unexpected element in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

oddly enough

This alternative is similar in structure but focuses on the peculiar or strange aspect of the information.

unexpectedly

This alternative is a single word that conveys the element of surprise more directly.

to my surprise

This alternative highlights the speaker's personal reaction of being surprised by the information.

believe it or not

This alternative emphasizes the unexpected nature of the information, often inviting disbelief.

remarkably

This alternative highlights how noteworthy or exceptional the information is.

contrary to expectations

This alternative is more formal and explicitly states that the information is against what one might expect.

as strange as it may seem

This alternative explicitly acknowledges the strangeness or unusual quality of the statement.

against all odds

This alternative suggests a higher degree of improbability or difficulty that was overcome.

who would have thought

This alternative is a rhetorical question emphasizing the unexpected nature of the statement.

it's funny how

This alternative suggests that there is an ironic or curious aspect to the information.

FAQs

How can I use "surprisingly enough" in a sentence?

"Surprisingly enough" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a somewhat unexpected or contradictory fact. For example, "Surprisingly enough, the movie was actually good." Or, it can be embedded within the sentence, set off by commas: "The project, surprisingly enough, was completed on time."

What phrases are similar to "surprisingly enough"?

Alternatives to "surprisingly enough" include "oddly enough", "believe it or not", "unexpectedly", or "contrary to expectations". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "surprisingly enough"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "surprisingly enough" is grammatically correct. It functions as an introductory adverbial phrase, modifying the rest of the sentence by expressing surprise or unexpectedness.

What is the difference between "surprisingly" and "surprisingly enough"?

"Surprisingly" is a straightforward adverb expressing surprise. "Surprisingly enough" adds a degree of emphasis or incredulity, suggesting the fact is particularly unexpected or hard to believe. The addition of "enough" makes it a stronger statement of surprise.