unexpectedly enough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unexpectedly enough" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a surprising or ironic conclusion that aligns with what has been previously stated. Example: "Unexpectedly enough, the quietest student in the class ended up winning the debate competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

More British interest: Sarah Waters' much-loved novel Fingersmith is to be brought to the screen, unexpectedly enough, by the great Korean master of the extreme Park Chan-Wook.

The Guardian - Film

And the source of that quote, "Three people can keep a secret if two of them are dead," turns out, unexpectedly enough, to be none other than Benjamin Franklin.

Vice

Unexpectedly enough, BrdU-labeled cells were also found in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN), with greater numbers of pubertally born cells in males than in females (Ahmed et al. 2008).

Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Although intended as a methodologic pilot, our results are unexpectedly precise enough to warrant clinical recommendations.

BMC Palliative Care

I've lost enough friends unexpectedly to realize that kind of thinking is pointless.

The Guardian - Opinion

I found out that my probable Stage 1 prostate cancer, which had appeared ordinary enough, was unexpectedly aggressive.

The New York Times - Health

It's unexpectedly good, and astute enough to avoid alienating churchgoing audiences in the US by its sensitive handling of tricky material.

The Guardian - Film

You can have octopus that's just chewy enough with an unexpectedly charming pesto of watercress and cashews.

The New York Times - Food

The theory is that if plants are watered unexpectedly they cannot react quickly enough to gain the maximum benefit.

Independent

Suddenly but not unexpectedly: the signs were obvious enough that we knew what was coming the moment Clarke told his wife that he was going to check on the people next door.

The New York Times - Arts

As if air travel were not already stressful and expensive enough, being stuck unexpectedly with charges for overweight baggage on check-in can only add to the surly feelings.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "unexpectedly enough" to introduce a conclusion or result that contrasts with what might have been predicted based on the preceding information. It adds a touch of surprise or irony to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "unexpectedly enough" excessively in formal academic or business writing, as it can sound too informal or conversational. Opt for more direct and professional language when precision is paramount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unexpectedly enough" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause or sentence, expressing the manner in which something occurs, specifically highlighting the element of surprise or lack of anticipation. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to introduce a surprising fact or outcome.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unexpectedly enough" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to introduce an element of surprise or irony. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, its frequency is relatively rare. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts and less so in formal academic or business settings. For more formal writing, consider alternatives like "surprisingly enough" or "ironically enough". The phrase functions to signal unexpected outcomes, enhancing reader engagement through surprise, but it's important to be mindful of the context to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprisingly enough

Similar in meaning but replaces "unexpectedly" with "surprisingly", emphasizing the element of surprise.

in a surprising turn of events

Highlights the sequence and unexpected nature of the events.

ironically enough

Highlights a contradictory or paradoxical aspect that may not be present with "unexpectedly".

oddly enough

Suggests something strange or peculiar, not just unexpected.

curiously enough

Implies a sense of intrigue or interest in the unexpected event.

strangely enough

Focuses on the unusual or peculiar nature of the situation.

to my surprise

Shifts the focus to the speaker's personal reaction to the unexpected event.

as luck would have it

Indicates a chance or fortunate turn of events, which might be unexpected.

who would have thought

Expresses incredulity or astonishment at the unexpected outcome.

against all odds

Stresses the improbability of the event more than just its unexpectedness.

FAQs

How can I use "unexpectedly enough" in a sentence?

You can use "unexpectedly enough" to introduce a surprising or ironic element. For example, "The weather forecast predicted rain, but "unexpectedly enough", it was sunny all day."

What are some alternatives to "unexpectedly enough"?

Alternatives include "surprisingly enough", "ironically enough", or "oddly enough", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "unexpectedly enough" considered formal or informal?

"Unexpectedly enough" leans towards a slightly informal tone. For formal writing, consider alternatives that are more direct and less conversational.

What's the difference between "unexpectedly enough" and "surprisingly enough"?

While both phrases introduce an element of surprise, "unexpectedly enough" focuses more on the lack of anticipation, whereas "surprisingly enough" emphasizes the degree of amazement or wonder.