unexpected turn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpected turn" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or situation that has taken a different course than what was expected. For example: "The meeting took an unexpected turn when the CEO suggested a new product idea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then came an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

Mehretu's painting took an unexpected turn.

The New Yorker

Then the case took an unexpected turn.

The New Yorker

A Shakespeare speech takes an unexpected turn.

Independent

Then the story takes an unexpected turn.

Harvard University

Then things took an unexpected turn.

The Guardian - Music

This is an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

Then events take a wholly unexpected turn.

The New York Times - Books

Flanders has taken a wholly unexpected turn.

The New Yorker

Balal's fate then took an unexpected turn.

The Guardian

Pillow talk sometimes takes an unexpected turn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected turn" to add narrative tension or signal a plot twist in writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpected turn" when the shift is already implied. For example, instead of saying "The detective story took an unexpected turn when the butler confessed", try "The detective story intensified as the butler confessed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected turn" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a change or alteration in circumstances that was not predicted. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected turn" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a deviation from an anticipated course of events. Ludwig's analysis, as per the AI response, confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively used in written English. With a high frequency of use across varied sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media. Alternatives such as "surprising twist" or "sudden shift" can be used for a similar effect. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in predictable situations to maintain the element of surprise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising twist

This phrase emphasizes the element of surprise in the change of events.

sudden shift

Focuses on the abrupt nature of the change.

unforeseen development

Highlights the lack of anticipation regarding the new event.

unexpected development

Focuses on the evolution of the event, while emphasizing it was not predicted.

unpredicted change

Similar to "unforeseen development" but emphasizes the alteration itself.

dramatic turnabout

Suggests a significant and often complete reversal of a situation.

out-of-the-blue situation

Suggests the situation came without any warning or indication.

chance occurrence

Implies the event was largely due to luck or coincidence.

unanticipated alteration

Highlights the modification that happened without warning.

left field event

An idiomatic expression indicating something completely unexpected and unrelated to what preceded it.

FAQs

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

You can use "unexpected turn" to describe a sudden change in a story, plan, or situation. For example, "The project took an unexpected turn when funding was cut."

What can I say instead of "unexpected turn"?

You can use alternatives like "surprising twist", "sudden shift", or "unforeseen development" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unexpected turn" or "unexpecting turn"?

"Unexpected turn" is the correct phrase. "Unexpecting turn" is not grammatically sound.

How does "unexpected turn" differ from "plot twist"?

"Unexpected turn" is a more general phrase that can apply to various situations, while "plot twist" specifically refers to an unexpected development in a story's plot.