utterly unexpected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly unexpected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely surprising or unforeseen. Example: "The sudden announcement of the merger was utterly unexpected, leaving everyone in shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Both were utterly unexpected and both were game-changers.

University of California, Berkeley

One British politician claimed his action was "utterly unexpected" and "premature".

The Economist

But riveting in an utterly unexpected, one would have thought dramatically indefensible, way.

The New York Times

For some of Mr. Jennings's descendants, the discovery of such history was utterly unexpected.

The New York Times

But, around four in the afternoon, something utterly unexpected began to happen.

The New Yorker

And so these countries are left with no claims save the utterly unexpected one: paternalism.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Ingredients might be utterly transformed by unexpected colour, texture and temperature, but they can be quite humble – Adria doesn't rely on hunks of truffle to amaze his diners or hike up prices.

Independent

(In October, the Guardian's critic Adrian Searle wrote: "Abts' quiet and disturbing paintings seem utterly right and unexpected. They ought to win"). She has always painted for herself, on the side, and the fact that it has ended in glory is something she finds quite amazing.

The Guardian - Arts

We may also discover something utterly new and unexpected -- perhaps the most exciting possibility of all.

Los Angeles Times

It was not in my nature to simply toss off why suicide would be a viable option -- and such a drastic, unexpected, utterly devastating one for all those left behind.

Huffington Post

Really, though, it was all about their opening game: an utterly heroic and unexpected 1-0 victoverover Italy, secured by an 11th minute shinner from the Glasgow-born Aston Villa midfielder Ray Houghton that arced over the head of goalkeeper Gianluca Pagliuca in a way that made the ball seem momentarily divorced from the natural laws of gravity, an intruder from a different realm.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly unexpected" to emphasize a high degree of surprise, especially when the event significantly deviates from what was anticipated. This phrase adds impact when describing unforeseen consequences or surprising plot twists.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly unexpected" to describe commonplace surprises, such as a surprise birthday party planned by close friends. The phrase is more effective when describing events that genuinely defy expectation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly unexpected" functions as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the degree to which something was not anticipated. As Ludwig indicates, it's used to describe events or outcomes that are entirely surprising and unforeseen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly unexpected" is a versatile adjectival modifier used to emphasize a high degree of surprise and a complete lack of anticipation. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, with a strong presence in news and media, as well as academia and science. While versatile, be mindful of overusing it in predictable contexts; reserving it for genuinely surprising events maximizes its impact. Alternatives like "completely unforeseen" or "entirely unanticipated" offer similar nuances. The frequency and consistency of "utterly unexpected" in authoritative sources solidify its reliability in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely unforeseen

Emphasizes the lack of foresight regarding the event.

entirely unanticipated

Highlights the absence of prior anticipation.

totally surprising

Focuses on the element of surprise and shock.

quite astonishing

Emphasizes the level of amazement caused by the event.

wholly unpredicted

Stresses the lack of any prediction of the event.

absolutely out of the blue

Implies the event happened without any warning or indication.

genuinely startling

Focuses on the sudden and alarming nature of the surprise.

thoroughly unforeseen

Reinforces the idea that no one saw it coming.

altogether unlooked-for

Highlights that the event was not anticipated or expected.

radically surprising

Emphasizes the degree to which the event deviated from expectations.

FAQs

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

You can use "utterly unexpected" to describe events or outcomes that were completely surprising. For instance: "The success of the indie film was "utterly unexpected"." It emphasizes the unforeseen nature of the situation.

What are some alternatives to "utterly unexpected"?

Alternatives include "completely unforeseen", "entirely unanticipated", or "totally surprising". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "utterly unexpected" formal or informal?

"Utterly unexpected" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its impact is derived from the combination of "utterly" (emphasizing the degree) and "unexpected" (denoting surprise). Therefore, it works well across different registers.

What's the difference between "utterly unexpected" and "slightly surprising"?

"Utterly unexpected" denotes a complete lack of anticipation and a high degree of surprise, whereas "slightly surprising" indicates a mild level of surprise. The former is used for significant deviations from expectations, and the latter for minor, less impactful surprises.