unexpected delight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected delight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a pleasant surprise or joy that was not anticipated. Example: "The surprise party was an unexpected delight that brought smiles to everyone's faces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An unexpected delight.

Independent

An unexpected delight.

The Guardian - Books

It's touching and tense, and an unexpected delight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unexpected delight That the Gower has remained largely unspoilt for 35 years or more.

The Guardian - Travel

It proved an unexpected delight, the sweetness of the fruit sublimated into an earthy broth.

The New York Times - Food

Another unexpected delight was found among the list of gelati: malted milk ball.

The New York Times

But Istanbul's increasingly popular cycling tours can be an unexpected delight.

The Guardian - Travel

But the unexpected delight of Wilson's book is that she resoundingly backs up her thesis.

The Guardian - Books

"It was really a wonderful organ," he says with unexpected delight.

The Guardian

The unexpected delight: I'm not particularly into beer or spicy pork, but, damn, this was good.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Effortlessly, a garden can deliver fresh, unexpected delights.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected delight" to describe moments or experiences that provide joy or satisfaction in a surprising or unanticipated way. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected delight" when the situation warrants a stronger expression of joy or excitement. This phrase is best suited for describing mild to moderate positive surprises, not overwhelming elation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected delight" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies "delight". It describes something that brings joy or pleasure in a surprising manner. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing positive experiences across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

6%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected delight" is a commonly used expression to describe a surprising source of joy or pleasure. Grammatically correct, it functions as a noun phrase and is versatile enough for both formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to convey a positive emotion in response to an unforeseen event. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When aiming for variety, alternatives such as "unforeseen pleasure" or "surprise treat" can be used to add nuance. It's important to use "unexpected delight" when the emotional intensity is moderate, rather than overwhelming.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen pleasure

Focuses on the unanticipated nature of the pleasure.

welcome surprise

Emphasizes that the surprise is something that is wanted or appreciated.

surprise treat

Highlights the element of a positive surprise and something special.

serendipitous joy

Emphasizes the accidental and fortunate discovery of joy.

gratifying surprise

Highlights the satisfaction derived from the unexpected event.

happy accident

Underscores the accidental and positive outcome of an event.

pleasant shock

Suggests a more intense, yet positive, surprise.

lucky find

Conveys the idea of discovering something valuable or enjoyable by chance.

windfall of pleasure

Suggests a sudden and abundant source of enjoyment.

bolt from the blue

Implies a complete and unanticipated surprise that brings joy.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpected delight" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpected delight" to describe a pleasant surprise or joy that was not anticipated. For example: "The surprise party was an "unexpected delight" that brought smiles to everyone's faces."

What can I say instead of "unexpected delight"?

You can use alternatives such as "unforeseen pleasure", "surprise treat", or "serendipitous joy" depending on the context.

Is "unexpected delight" formal or informal?

"Unexpected delight" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in descriptive writing or narratives where a touch of elegance is desired.

What is the difference between "unexpected delight" and "unexpected surprise"?

"Unexpected surprise" is a more general term for something unanticipated, while "unexpected delight" specifically refers to a surprise that brings pleasure or joy. A surprise might not always be delightful, but a delight always brings a positive emotion.