totally surprised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "totally surprised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong feeling of astonishment or disbelief about something unexpected. Example: "When I walked into the surprise party, I was totally surprised to see all my friends gathered there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Not totally surprised.

The New York Times

I was totally surprised.

The New Yorker

We're totally surprised".

The New York Times

Don't be totally surprised.

The New York Times

"I was totally surprised by it.

Independent

This book has totally surprised me.

The Guardian

They looked impressed, but not totally surprised.

The Guardian - Travel

So in that regard, I was completely and totally surprised.

The New York Times

"But not totally surprised".Is the Met racist?

The Economist

It is not as if we can be totally surprised.

The New York Times - Sports

And two, I wanted my dad to be totally surprised.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "totally surprised" to express a strong feeling of astonishment, but be mindful of the context. In highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "completely astonished".

Common error

Avoid using "totally surprised" in academic papers or formal business reports. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "totally surprised" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of complete astonishment or unexpectedness. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a grammatically correct expression widely used to describe a strong feeling of surprise. Ludwig shows many examples of "totally surprised" used to express personal feelings or reactions to events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "totally surprised" is a grammatically correct and very common adjective phrase used to express a strong feeling of astonishment or unexpectedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression follows standard grammar rules. While versatile, it's more frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register that makes it suitable for various communications, although more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives. When aiming for sophistication or precision, consider using alternatives such as "completely astonished" or "utterly amazed".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Completely astonished

Indicates a high degree of surprise, similar to "totally surprised" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Utterly amazed

Emphasizes the feeling of wonder and delight in addition to surprise.

Absolutely floored

Conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by surprise, often in a positive way.

Taken aback

Suggests a momentary shock or bewilderment due to surprise.

Caught off guard

Highlights the unpreparedness for the surprising event.

Blown away

Indicates a strong positive reaction to the surprise, often implying admiration.

Incredulous

Expresses disbelief or skepticism alongside surprise.

Dumbfounded

Implies a temporary inability to speak or react due to surprise.

Stunned

Suggests a state of shock or temporary paralysis caused by surprise.

Amazed

Simply denotes a feeling of great surprise and wonder.

FAQs

How can I use "totally surprised" in a sentence?

You can use "totally surprised" to express that you did not expect something. For example, "I was "totally surprised" when they announced my name as the winner".

What can I say instead of "totally surprised"?

You can use alternatives like "completely astonished", "utterly amazed", or "absolutely floored" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "totally surprised" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "totally surprised" may sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "completely astonished" or "utterly amazed".

What's the difference between "totally surprised" and "slightly surprised"?

"Totally surprised" indicates a strong feeling of unexpectedness, while "slightly surprised" suggests a mild feeling of surprise. The degree of astonishment differs significantly.