this was unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this was unexpected" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express surprise or disbelief about something that has happened. Example: As the movie ended with a shocking plot twist, the audience gasped and murmured, "This was unexpected."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This was unexpected.

The Economist

Again, this was unexpected.

The Guardian - Arts

Now this was unexpected.

The Guardian

Still, this was unexpected.

The Guardian - Sport

Well, this was unexpected.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was unexpected lovely.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"All this was unexpected.

The New Yorker

"This was unexpected," Wang said.

Stanford University

This was unexpected, to say the least.

Independent

This was unexpected and rather difficult.

The New York Times - Books

This was unexpected, at least to me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this was unexpected", ensure the context clearly establishes what expectations were violated. This provides clarity and impact to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "this was unexpected" as a generic filler phrase. Ensure it directly relates to a specific situation or prior expectation that has been clearly outlined for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was unexpected" primarily functions as a declarative statement expressing surprise or a deviation from an anticipated outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

57%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was unexpected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate surprise or the deviation from an anticipated outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across various contexts, notably in news, media, scientific, and academic writing. While versatile, it's crucial to provide sufficient context for clarity. Consider alternatives such as "this was unforeseen" or "this came as a surprise" based on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this was unforeseen

Replaces "unexpected" with a synonym that emphasizes a lack of foresight.

this was unanticipated

Substitutes "unexpected" with a more formal term, highlighting a complete lack of anticipation.

this was unpredicted

Replaces the original term with a direct synonym.

this was not anticipated

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation with a more direct tone.

this came as a surprise

Expresses the unexpected nature of an event by framing it as a "surprise".

this was a shock

Indicates a stronger emotional reaction to the unexpected event, implying it was jarring.

this was against expectations

Explicitly states that the outcome went against what was expected.

this was out of the blue

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the sudden and unpredicted nature of the event.

this was off the radar

Implies a complete lack of awareness or consideration before the event.

this was a departure

Highlights how it differed from the initial expectations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this was unexpected" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "this was unanticipated" or "this was unforeseen". These alternatives provide a similar meaning while maintaining a higher level of formality.

What's a more casual way to say "this was unexpected"?

If you're aiming for a more casual expression, you might say "this came as a surprise" or "this was out of the blue". These options are suitable for informal conversations or writing.

How does "this was unexpected" differ from "this was surprising"?

While both express a lack of anticipation, "this was unexpected" focuses more on the deviation from what was predicted or anticipated. "This was surprising", on the other hand, emphasizes the emotional reaction to something novel or unusual.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "this was unexpected"?

The phrase itself is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the context makes it clear what the prior expectation was. Without proper context, the statement may lack impact or clarity.