that's unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that's unexpected" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express surprise or to describe something that was not anticipated. For example: "She won the lottery? That's unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It does change you in a way that's unexpected.

The Guardian - Film

But when neither play — fine though both are — is the best work on the program, that's unexpected.

The New York Times

It's not so much that Cog does something that's unexpected, it's more the human reaction, like, it's alive!

The New York Times - Science

"In how many more movies have filmmakers tried to get laughs out of doing something that's unexpected and that crosses the taste line?

The New York Times

Mr. Bush did not have to render a decision on the federal aid until Feb. 15. "This is something that he ran on, and so I don't think it's anything that's unexpected," Mr. Fleischer said.

The New York Times

I think the better answer — and this was reflected in the Democratic platform — is to figure out, how do we make sure that young mothers, or women who have a pregnancy that's unexpected or difficult, have the kind of support they need to make a whole range of choices, including adoption and keeping the child".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"The theatre's got a reputation for work that is unexpected and leftfield," he says.

The Guardian

Iris's observations are funny, and the story has a dramatic otherworldly payoff that is unexpected and triumphant.

The New York Times - Books

He showed a warmth that was unexpected.

The Guardian

"It was turning up in places that were unexpected".

The New York Times - Science

"Certainly there were a lot of things that were unexpected today.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that's unexpected" to express mild surprise or to acknowledge an outcome that deviates from what was predicted or anticipated. It's suitable for both spoken and written contexts.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "that's unexpected" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "that is surprising" or "that was unforeseen" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that's unexpected" primarily functions as an exclamatory statement expressing surprise or acknowledgment of an unforeseen event. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often serves as a response to an outcome that deviates from expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that's unexpected" is a versatile expression used to convey surprise or acknowledge an unforeseen event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and general suitability. While primarily neutral to informal in register, it sees frequent use in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. For more formal writing, alternatives like "that is surprising" or "that was unforeseen" may be more appropriate. Remember to leverage this phrase to express mild shock or acknowledge deviations from expectations, while keeping your tone consistent with the overall context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that is quite a surprise

This phrase explicitly states the element of surprise.

that is surprising

This alternative uses a more formal tone compared to the original phrase.

that's a shock

This alternative emphasizes the emotional impact of the unexpected event.

that's astonishing

This phrase conveys a stronger sense of surprise or disbelief.

that wasn't anticipated

This version is more formal and emphasizes the lack of prior expectation.

that's unforeseen

This alternative emphasizes the lack of anticipation or prediction.

that's unpredicted

This highlights the inability to foresee the event.

that's out of the blue

This idiom indicates something completely unexpected and sudden.

that's irregular

This suggests a deviation from the norm or expected pattern.

that's unconventional

This phrase points out the departure from established customs or norms.

FAQs

How can I use "that's unexpected" in a sentence?

You can use "that's unexpected" to express surprise about something. For example: "She actually agreed with me? "That's unexpected"."

What phrases are similar to "that's unexpected"?

Alternatives include "that is surprising", "that's astonishing", or "that is quite a surprise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "that's unexpected"?

Yes, "that's unexpected" is grammatically correct. "That's" is a contraction of "that is", and "unexpected" is an adjective describing the subject.

When is it appropriate to use "that's unexpected"?

It is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts when you want to express surprise or indicate that something did not go as planned or anticipated. However, it should be avoided in very formal contexts.