what else is new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what else is new" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express indifference or to imply that the situation being discussed is not surprising or has been a recurring theme. Example: "When I heard that he was late again, I just sighed and thought, 'What else is new?'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's more bad news for Goldman Sachs today but what else is new?

Forbes

Many may say "so what else is new" regarding the tendency of the Times to slant the news in the direction of a hawkish U.S. foreign policy.

HuffPost

What else is new?

The New York Times

But what else is new?

The New York Times

So what else is new?

The New York Times - Tech

Therapy: What else is new?

The New Yorker

Most readers wonder what else is new.

The New York Times

"So what else is new?" you ask.

The New York Times

Cheering accompanies bloodshed: what else is new?

The New Yorker

Indeed, what else is new?

The New York Times

What else is new, huh?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what else is new" to express a lack of surprise, often tinged with irony or resignation. It works best when responding to a recurring issue or predictable event.

Common error

Avoid using "what else is new" excessively in your writing. While it can be effective, overuse can make your tone sound consistently cynical or dismissive. Vary your responses to maintain a balanced and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what else is new" functions as an idiomatic expression used to convey a lack of surprise or a sense of resignation regarding a predictable or recurring situation. Ludwig AI validates its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what else is new" is an idiomatic expression used to convey a lack of surprise or resignation, especially in response to predictable or recurring situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use, particularly in News & Media. It functions as a rhetorical question, implying indifference rather than seeking information. While grammatically sound, overusing it can lead to a cynical tone. Alternatives like "nothing surprises me anymore" or "business as usual" can offer nuanced expressions of similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nothing surprises me anymore

This alternative conveys a sense of jadedness or weariness, suggesting that the speaker is no longer easily shocked or impressed. It transforms the question into a statement of personal experience.

business as usual

This phrase implies that the current situation is typical or expected, without any element of surprise. It presents a more concise expression of the sentiment.

same old story

This suggests a repetitive and predictable nature to the situation, implying boredom or resignation. It is less inquisitive and more declarative.

what did you expect

This is a rhetorical question that implies a lack of surprise and possibly a sense of inevitability. It shifts the focus to the listener's expectations.

that's not unexpected

This phrase directly states that the situation was anticipated or predictable, removing any element of surprise. It's a more neutral and less emotional expression.

color me unsurprised

This is a more humorous and ironic way of saying that one is not surprised, often used to express sarcasm. It adds a playful tone to the sentiment.

predictable, isn't it

This rhetorical question emphasizes the predictability of the situation, inviting agreement from the listener. It is less personal and more observational.

water is wet

This is a sarcastic idiom that means something is obvious and unsurprising. It's often used to emphasize the banality of a situation.

that figures

This expresses a sense of weary acceptance or resignation, implying that the situation is unfortunate but not unexpected. It's a more understated reaction.

no surprises here

This phrase directly states that there are no unexpected elements in the situation, offering a straightforward assessment. It's less conversational and more declarative.

FAQs

How can I use "what else is new" in a sentence?

You can use "what else is new" to express a lack of surprise or to imply that a situation is not unexpected. For example, "The project is delayed again. What else is new?"

What does "what else is new" imply?

The phrase "what else is new" typically implies that the speaker is not surprised by the current situation, often because it is a recurring problem or a predictable outcome.

Is "what else is new" a rhetorical question?

Yes, "what else is new" is often used as a rhetorical question. It doesn't require an answer but rather serves to express a sentiment of resignation or lack of surprise.

What are some alternatives to "what else is new"?

Alternatives include "nothing surprises me anymore", "business as usual", or "same old story" depending on the context.