unexpected hiccup

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected hiccup" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a small, unexpected problem or obstacle that arises in a situation. Example: "After weeks of smooth sailing, our project hit an unexpected hiccup when we realized our main supplier had gone bankrupt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It remained an inconvenience, certainly, but it also became a strange new neighbor to ponder, offering an unexpected hiccup to the rhythm of the day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But D.S.L., as a new technology, is bound to have unexpected hiccups.

The New York Times - Tech

It will also have to contend with any unexpected hiccups and glitches that could arise and set back production, or unforeseen problems after release — issues that companies as well-staffed and funded as Jawbone, Sony and Microsoft have fielded with their hardware releases.

The New York Times

But no matter where you are, the threat of damage to your home or unexpected hiccups in the rental process can make it seem daunting to get started.

BBC

When asked about how that affects their funding situation, he explained that the $45 million it has raised so far was designed to help it field unexpected hiccups in the process, and it continues to help with that.

TechCrunch

No matter how well you plan, unexpected hiccups will undoubtedly arise on the big day.

WikiHow

However, industry executives say that a failure to purchase a preponderance of Intel products results in allotments decreasing or products being shipped late due to "unexpected" supply-chain hiccups.

The Economist

You also need an emergency fund of three-to-six months of living expenses so you aren't sunk by an unexpected bill or job hiccup. .

BBC

Friendships, partnerships and relationships of all kinds undergo their final sets of tests, and you want time to savor each hurdle, hiccup and unexpected alliance.

Huffington Post

Even with these hiccups, the magic and mystery of Santa Barbara compensates in unexpected ways.

Huffington Post

And after that introductory hiccup, he has emerged as a linchpin for the Orioles, who are engaged in an unexpected skirmish for playoff position with Jeter's Yankees.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected hiccup" to describe minor, unforeseen problems that cause a brief interruption but don't derail the entire process. For instance, in project management, it's useful for acknowledging small delays or issues without exaggerating their impact.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected hiccup" to describe significant or critical problems. This phrase downplays the severity and can mislead stakeholders about the true impact. Use more appropriate terms like "major setback", "critical issue", or "serious complication" for substantial problems.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected hiccup" functions as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies the noun "hiccup". The phrase describes an unforeseen and usually minor disruption or problem. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples where it represents a temporary setback.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected hiccup" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a minor, unforeseen problem. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used to downplay the severity of an issue and is suitable for neutral contexts like news and general communication. While relatively rare, its usage is consistent and appropriate, making it a useful phrase for acknowledging small disruptions without exaggerating their impact. When communicating be cautious not to use it to describe major issues. Alternatives like "minor setback" or "sudden snag" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen setback

Focuses on the hindering aspect of the unexpected issue.

sudden snag

Emphasizes the abrupt and often minor nature of the problem.

unanticipated difficulty

Highlights the problematic element that wasn't predicted.

surprise obstacle

Highlights the element of surprise and the nature of being an impediment.

unexpected glitch

Similar to hiccup, often used in technical contexts but applicable more broadly.

minor setback

Focuses on the impact being small and a step back from progress.

unforeseen problem

General term for a problem that was not expected.

chance disruption

Highlights the random and interruptive element of the event.

surprise bump

Uses "bump" as a more casual and gentle term for a problem.

unexpected obstacle

Similar to "surprise obstacle" but with a more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "unexpected hiccup" to describe a minor and unforeseen problem or delay. For instance, "The project encountered an "unexpected hiccup" when the supplier delayed the delivery".

What can I say instead of "unexpected hiccup"?

You can use alternatives like "minor setback", "sudden snag", or "unforeseen difficulty" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "unexpected hiccup"?

It's appropriate when referring to small, temporary disruptions that don't have a significant impact on the overall outcome. Avoid using it for critical or major issues that require substantial intervention.

Is "unexpected hiccup" formal or informal?

"Unexpected hiccup" leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register. It's acceptable in most business and news contexts for minor issues, but a more formal term might be better for highly critical situations. Consider using "unforeseen setback" in formal contexts.