without surprise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "without surprise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when something does not come as a surprise. For example: "The news of Tom's retirement was received without surprise by the staff, as he had hinted at it for some time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

She greeted him without surprise.

The New Yorker

Mean reacted to the news without surprise.

The Washington Post

Without surprise, I noticed the same of myself.

The New York Times

Without surprise, poles emerged: Save Douglass or destroy it.

The New York Times

Her religious instincts are reported without surprise or ruefulness.

The Guardian - Books

"I'm improving very quickly," he said, not without surprise.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the day was not without surprises.

The New York Times

A life without surprises, but with moderate satisfactions, ensued.

The New York Times

Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame, likes things to run like clockwork, without surprises.

The Economist

The nostalgia of old places is comforting because it conjures a time without surprises.

The New York Times

That is not say the election was without surprises and oddities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "without surprise" to indicate that an outcome or reaction was anticipated or expected. It adds a touch of understated observation to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "without surprise" in situations where genuine shock or strong emotion is expected. It can come across as sarcastic or dismissive if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "without surprise" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the manner in which an action is performed or a situation is perceived. It highlights the lack of astonishment or unexpectedness associated with an event or outcome. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is considered correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "without surprise" serves as a concise way to express that an event or outcome was anticipated or expected, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to diminish the impact of an event. While grammatically correct and versatile, its neutral register means it should be used judiciously to avoid unintended sarcasm. It is commonly found in "News & Media" and scientific contexts, making it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Remember to consider alternatives such as "unsurprisingly" or "as expected" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsurprisingly

Adverb that means "not causing surprise".

unastonishingly

Adverb that directly negates astonishment, focusing on the lack of surprise.

as expected

Emphasizes that the outcome aligned with prior expectations.

without astonishment

Highlights the absence of astonishment as a reaction.

predictably

Highlights the expected nature of the event or situation.

not unexpectedly

Subtly acknowledges the potential for surprise, but indicates it did not occur.

as was foreseeable

Highlights the element of anticipation and predictability, adding a formal tone.

true to form

Suggests the event or behavior is consistent with a habitual pattern.

in keeping with expectations

Underscores the conformity of the event with established expectations.

as one might anticipate

Implies a degree of foresight or reasonable expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "without surprise" in a sentence?

You can use "without surprise" to indicate that something happened as expected. For example, "The team's victory was greeted "without surprise", as they were heavily favored to win".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "without surprise"?

Some alternatives include "unsurprisingly", "predictably", or "as expected". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "without surprise" or "unsurprisingly"?

"Without surprise" and "unsurprisingly" are both relatively neutral in formality. The choice often depends on personal preference and the overall tone of the writing.

Can "without surprise" be used to express disappointment?

While "without surprise" primarily indicates a lack of astonishment, it can imply disappointment if the speaker expected a different, more positive outcome. The tone and context are crucial in conveying this nuance.