surprisingly low

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surprisingly low" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a value or amount that is unexpectedly lower than anticipated. Example: "The cost of the project turned out to be surprisingly low, allowing us to allocate more funds to other initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

That is surprisingly low.

The Guardian - Sport

The statistic might seem surprisingly low.

The Guardian

I found a 2003 model with surprisingly low mileage.

The New York Times

The number of drug-related AIDS cases is surprisingly low.

The New York Times

But the voice is surprisingly low and mature.

The Guardian - Film

Throughout the evening, the stars kept surprisingly low profiles.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But their suggestions were surprisingly low-tech.

The New York Times - Magazine

The effect is magical -- and surprisingly low-tech.

The New York Times

The hearing in Columbus has been surprisingly low-profile.

The New York Times - Sports

Ed Miliband's education policy launch was surprisingly low-key.

The Guardian

Under Payne's guidance, Will Forte gives a surprisingly low-key performance.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "surprisingly low" to express an unexpected or unexpected smallness, amount, or degree. This implies a contrast with what was anticipated.

Common error

Avoid using "surprisingly low" when the low value is actually expected or predictable. The phrase is meant to convey genuine surprise, not simply state a fact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surprisingly low" functions as an intensifying adverb ("surprisingly") modifying an adjective ("low"). According to Ludwig, this combination expresses an unexpected degree of smallness or deficiency. The adverb amplifies the adjective, highlighting that the level is not just low, but unexpectedly so.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "surprisingly low" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey unexpected smallness or deficiency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific discussions. Its communicative purpose is to express astonishment or deviation from expectation. When using this expression, ensure the context truly reflects a sense of surprise, and explore alternatives like "unexpectedly low" or "remarkably low" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpectedly low

Focuses on the element of surprise, similar to "surprisingly", but uses "unexpectedly" instead.

remarkably low

Emphasizes the degree to which something is low, highlighting the unexpected nature.

unusually low

Indicates a deviation from the norm or expected level, similar to "surprisingly".

surprisingly small

Replaces 'low' with 'small', suitable when referring to quantity or size instead of level or amount.

astonishingly low

Highlights a sense of wonder or disbelief regarding how low something is.

incredibly low

Stresses the unlikelihood of the low level or amount.

unexpectedly minimal

Combines "unexpectedly" with "minimal", implying the quantity is lower than anticipated.

surprisingly modest

Replaces "low" with "modest", suggesting humility or simplicity in the low level.

deceptively low

Implies the low level might be misleading or not accurately reflective of the true situation.

shockingly low

Conveys a stronger sense of surprise, potentially suggesting that the low level is disturbing or alarming.

FAQs

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

You can use "surprisingly low" to describe quantities, prices, or statistics that are unexpectedly small. For instance, "The attendance at the event was "surprisingly low", given the popularity of the speaker".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "surprisingly low"?

Alternatives include "unexpectedly low", "remarkably low", or "unusually low", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "surprisingly low" or "unexpectedly low"?

Both "surprisingly low" and "unexpectedly low" are correct and convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific context. "Surprisingly" emphasizes the feeling of astonishment, while "unexpectedly" focuses on the lack of anticipation.

What does it mean when something is described as "surprisingly low"?

When something is described as "surprisingly low", it means that its value, amount, or level is less than what was anticipated or expected, and this difference is noteworthy or unexpected.