unexpected thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an occurrence or event that is surprising or not anticipated. Example: "The unexpected thing about the meeting was the sudden announcement of a merger."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thereupon an unexpected thing happened.

The Guardian - Books

What's the most unexpected thing you found?

The New York Times

It's another unexpected thing about him.

The Guardian

An unexpected thing happened when Joe opened the door.

The New Yorker

The unexpected thing is the injection of vulnerability".

The New Yorker

Her mother then did a very unexpected thing.

The New Yorker

"The most unexpected thing I think was the blackness of space.

Independent

And the most unexpected thing was a real-life socioengineering seminar".

The New York Times

What's the most unexpected thing that's ever happened to you while on the job?

The Guardian - Opinion

The unexpected thing is how successful it has been at moving to the opposite extreme.

The Economist

"The views were a totally unexpected thing to get for that price," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unexpected thing", ensure that the context provides sufficient information for the reader to understand why it is considered unexpected.

Common error

While "unexpected thing" is common, avoid overuse in formal contexts where more precise or sophisticated language might be preferred. Instead, opt for terms like "unforeseen circumstance" or "unanticipated event".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected thing" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "unexpected" modifies "thing". It serves to identify and categorize an event or occurrence as surprising or unanticipated. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected thing" is a common and versatile way to describe a surprising event or occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, as well as other contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the formality of the context when choosing between "unexpected thing" and more sophisticated alternatives like "unforeseen circumstance". Ultimately, mastering its usage involves understanding the communicative purpose of highlighting surprise and unpredictability in a clear and engaging way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising occurrence

Replaces the adjective and noun with a different adjective and noun combination maintaining a similar meaning.

unforeseen event

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation of the event.

unanticipated development

Focuses on the progression or unfolding nature of the surprise.

surprise twist

Highlights the unexpected nature of a plot or situation.

out-of-the-blue incident

Implies the event happened without any warning or apparent cause.

unpredicted circumstance

Focuses on the contextual aspect of the unexpected situation.

chance happening

Highlights the role of randomness or luck in the event.

fluke occurrence

Suggests the event was an unlikely or improbable coincidence.

bolt from the blue

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey suddenness and surprise.

random event

Highlights the lack of predictability and purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "unexpected thing" to introduce a surprising or unanticipated element in a narrative or explanation. For example, "The "unexpected thing" was how quickly the situation escalated."

What are some alternatives to "unexpected thing"?

Alternatives include "surprising occurrence", "unforeseen event", or "unanticipated development". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "unexpected thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "unexpected thing" might be too informal for some academic or professional contexts. Consider using a more precise or sophisticated term like "unforeseen circumstance" or "unanticipated outcome".

What makes something an "unexpected thing"?

An "unexpected thing" is an occurrence or event that is surprising because it was not anticipated, predicted, or considered likely based on the available information or prior experience.