utter surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter surprise" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person's reaction to something unexpected or shocking. For example, "When I told my boss I was quitting, he looked at me in utter surprise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

What I remember feeling first was utter surprise.

The New Yorker

However, we laboured through and, to my utter surprise, the baby loved it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yet it came as an utter surprise when he asked her to marry him.

The New York Times - Arts

To my utter surprise, I was unanimously elected to be the purchaser of the freezer.

The New Yorker

She described Burnet's inclusion on the longlist then shortlist as "fantastic and an utter surprise".

The Guardian - Books

Later, to his utter surprise, he learned he had been selected.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Some are utter surprises, like the news that Pope Benedict is abdicating his position for the first time since 1415.

Huffington Post

Those were the words uttered in surprise by many Venezuelans on Monday morning as they awoke to images on state television showing President Hugo Chávez making an unexpected, but well-choreographed, return after nearly a month away in which he underwent cancer surgery in Cuba.

The New York Times

When the film became a hit, the response of her parents, everyone she knew, and Weaver herself, was one of "utter shock and surprise" – and that has been her attitude to the fame side of things ever since.

The Guardian - Film

To my mothers utter, abet underwhelming, surprise, the DTVPal added all of 'em to her available lineup — glorious digital TV had arrived to my mom's house.

TechCrunch

It's funny because: it's a frenzied series of microgame collections that trade in surprise and utter weirdness.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter surprise" to effectively convey a strong feeling of astonishment, particularly when something unexpected or contrary to expectations occurs. It adds emphasis to the surprise experienced.

Common error

Avoid using "utter surprise" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "complete astonishment" or "profound amazement" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter surprise" functions as a noun phrase that describes a state of extreme astonishment or disbelief. It intensifies the feeling of being surprised. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter surprise" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a strong feeling of astonishment. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, and its prevalence across diverse sources—primarily News & Media—confirms its adaptability. While synonyms like "complete astonishment" and "total shock" exist, "utter surprise" remains a versatile choice for conveying intense surprise in various contexts. Be mindful of overuse and consider context-appropriate alternatives for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

profound astonishment

Indicates a deep and significant level of surprise; implies a life-altering or highly impactful event.

unmitigated shock

Emphasizes the pure and unadulterated nature of the shock.

complete astonishment

Emphasizes the feeling of being completely taken aback; stronger emotional impact.

deep shock

Indicates a profound emotional or psychological impact from a shocking discovery.

total shock

Focuses on the shock aspect of the surprise; suggests a more jarring experience.

pure incredulity

Focuses on the inability to believe something; suggests a strong level of skepticism.

sheer amazement

Highlights the sense of wonder and disbelief; implies a positive or impressive surprise.

astounding disbelief

Emphasizes the astounding nature of the event leading to disbelief.

startled disbelief

Highlights the initial reaction of being startled and then struggling to believe what happened.

absolute bewilderment

Stresses the confusion and disorientation caused by the surprise.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "utter surprise" in a sentence?

Use "utter surprise" to describe someone's reaction to an unexpected event. For example, "To my "utter surprise", he agreed to my proposal."

What are some alternatives to "utter surprise"?

You can use alternatives such as "complete astonishment", "total shock", or "profound amazement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "utter surprise" formal or informal?

"Utter surprise" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

Can "utter surprise" be used in all types of writing?

Yes, "utter surprise" can be used across various writing styles, from news articles and academic papers to personal narratives and fiction. However, consider your audience and the desired level of formality when choosing this phrase.