this is not surprising

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'this is not surprising' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something has happened or been said which is expected or unsurprising. For example: "I heard that John had passed his accounting exam. This is not surprising, he's been studying hard for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

This is not surprising.

The New York Times

Perhaps this is not surprising.

The Economist

At one level this is not surprising.

The Economist

But somehow this is not surprising.

The New York Times

Yet this is not surprising.

The Guardian

Maybe this is not surprising.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

This isn't surprising.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps this isn't surprising.

The New York Times

In many ways this isn't surprising.

The Guardian - Opinion

In one sense, this isn't surprising.

The Washington Post

For some economists, this isn't surprising.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is not surprising" to succinctly express a lack of astonishment or to indicate that an outcome aligns with prior expectations. This phrase can effectively transition between a statement and its logical consequence or explanation.

Common error

While useful, relying too heavily on "this is not surprising" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your phrasing by using synonyms like "it's to be expected" or "that comes as no surprise" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is not surprising" functions as an evaluative statement, indicating that a preceding event or situation is expected or predictable. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is not surprising" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of astonishment or the predictability of an event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It functions as an evaluative statement and serves to transition into explanations. While its register is generally neutral, various synonyms can add nuance and variety to writing. Common usage appears in news and media, as well as scientific publications. Remember to use this phrase judiciously and vary your language to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's to be expected

Emphasizes the inevitability or predictability of the situation.

it was anticipated

Highlights that something was foreseen or expected beforehand.

that comes as no surprise

Directly states the lack of surprise regarding a particular event.

it's not unexpected

Similar to the original phrase, but uses "unexpected" to convey the lack of surprise.

it figures

An informal way of saying that something is typical or predictable.

that's hardly shocking

Emphasizes the lack of shock or astonishment associated with the event.

it's predictable

Highlights the predictable nature of the situation or outcome.

as expected

A concise way of indicating that something happened according to expectations.

that's par for the course

Suggests that something is normal or typical in a given situation, often negative.

it was only a matter of time

Highlights the inevitability of an event occurring.

FAQs

How can I use "this is not surprising" in a sentence?

"This is not surprising" is often used to introduce an explanation for a statement that might otherwise seem unexpected. For example, "The company's profits declined this quarter. This is not surprising, given the recent economic downturn."

What can I say instead of "this is not surprising"?

You can use alternatives like "that's to be expected", "it was anticipated", or "that comes as no surprise" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is not surprising" in writing?

Use "this is not surprising" when you want to convey that an event or outcome aligns with previous expectations or established patterns. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Is "this is not surprising" considered formal or informal?

"This is not surprising" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional writing.