unexpected turn of events

USAGE SUMMARY

"unexpected turn of events" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the context of situations that take an unexpected or surprising course. For example, "The coronavirus pandemic has been an unexpected turn of events for the entire world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then came an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

This is an unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

It goes without saying that this is an unexpected turn of events.

The Guardian - Music

An unexpected turn of events brought their idyll to an end.

The New York Times

The exuberant crowd was hushed by this unexpected turn of events.

The New Yorker

It was a completely unexpected turn of events, especially the loss by Honduras at home.

The New York Times - Sports

Barring an unexpected turn of events, Fenway should have no trouble clearing the final hurdle.

The New York Times

The vote on Thursday was an abrupt and unexpected turn of events.

The New York Times

He suggested Morrison was well prepared to deal with the unexpected turn of events.

Independent

By any standard, it is a stunningly unexpected turn of events, though it has not been without its hitches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Also, in an unexpected turn of events, goalie Josh Harding was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in October.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpected turn of events" to add emphasis when describing a situation that has deviated significantly from what was initially anticipated. It's particularly effective in narrative contexts to build suspense or highlight unpredictability.

Common error

While "unexpected turn of events" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "unforeseen development" or "unanticipated incident" in academic papers or professional reports to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpected turn of events" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an appositive to describe an unanticipated occurrence or change in circumstances. As Ludwig AI suggests, it clearly follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

11%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unexpected turn of events" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a surprising or unforeseen change in circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adheres to standard English grammar. Its primary function is to highlight the element of surprise and unpredictability, making it particularly useful in narrative and descriptive contexts. While versatile, it's most frequently found in news and media sources, with neutral formality. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "unforeseen development" or "unanticipated incident".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unforeseen development

Focuses on the lack of anticipation for the event.

surprise development

Highlights the unexpected and astonishing nature of the occurrence.

unforeseeable circumstance

Focuses on the unpredictable nature of the situation.

unpredicted change

Stresses the inability to foresee the alteration.

unanticipated incident

Emphasizes the unplanned and unexpected nature of the occurrence.

surprising twist

Highlights the element of surprise in the change.

unlooked-for event

Emphasizes that the event was not expected or anticipated.

abrupt shift

Highlights the sudden and quick nature of the change.

out-of-the-blue incident

Highlights the sudden and unexpected arrival of an incident.

sudden twist

Emphasizes the abruptness and surprise of the change.

FAQs

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

"Unexpected turn of events" is often used to introduce a surprising or unforeseen development in a narrative or situation. For example, "Due to an unexpected turn of events, the meeting was postponed."

What can I say instead of "unexpected turn of events"?

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

Is it correct to say "a unexpected turn of events"?

No, the correct article to use is "an" because "unexpected" begins with a vowel sound. The proper phrasing is "an unexpected turn of events".

What's the difference between "unexpected turn of events" and "unforeseen circumstance"?

"Unexpected turn of events" generally refers to a specific incident or change in a situation, while "unforeseen circumstance" implies a broader, less specific set of conditions that were not anticipated. The former is more event-focused, and the latter is more condition-focused.