Use surprisingly to highlight facts or qualities that defy normal expectations or logic.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used to show that something is unexpected or unusual.
- Can modify adjectives to show an unexpected degree.
- Often starts a sentence to set a tone of surprise.
Overview
Surprisingly is a versatile adverb used to indicate that an event, quality, or fact is unexpected or different from what was anticipated. At the B1 level, learners use it to move beyond simple descriptions and begin expressing attitudes toward the information they are sharing. It functions primarily in two ways: as an intensifier for adjectives and as a sentence-level modifier that sets the tone for the entire statement. When used to modify an adjective, surprisingly suggests that the degree of a quality is higher or lower than expected. For example, saying a test was surprisingly easy implies the speaker expected it to be difficult. This usage is common in evaluations, such as product reviews or personal feedback. In these cases, the adverb typically precedes the adjective it modifies. As a sentence adverb, surprisingly often appears at the very beginning of a sentence, usually followed by a comma. In this position, it alerts the listener that the upcoming information contradicts common logic or previous statements. For instance, 'Surprisingly, the team won despite having several injured players.' It can also be placed in the middle of a sentence, often between the subject and the main verb, though this is slightly more formal. In terms of context, surprisingly is ubiquitous in both spoken and written English. It is found in academic writing to highlight data that deviates from a hypothesis, in journalism to introduce shocking news, and in daily conversation to share personal anecdotes. A common fixed expression is 'not surprisingly,' which ironically indicates that something was actually expected, often used to confirm a suspicion. When compared to similar words, surprisingly is more emotional than unexpectedly. While unexpectedly describes the timing or occurrence of an event, surprisingly focuses on the reaction of the observer. Compared to remarkably, which emphasizes that something is worth noting for its excellence, surprisingly focuses strictly on the element of surprise, whether the outcome is good or bad.
Examples
The coffee at this cheap cafe is surprisingly good.
everydayThe coffee at this cheap cafe is surprisingly good.
Surprisingly, the results of the study were the opposite of what we predicted.
formalSurprisingly, the results of the study were the opposite of what we predicted.
He was surprisingly calm after the car accident.
informalHe was surprisingly calm after the car accident.
The data showed a surprisingly high correlation between the two variables.
academicThe data showed a surprisingly high correlation between the two variables.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
not surprisingly
as expected
surprisingly enough
used to introduce an unexpected fact
Often Confused With
Unexpectedly refers to the timing of an event, while surprisingly emphasizes the feeling of shock or wonder.
Astonishingly is much stronger and implies a very high level of shock, whereas surprisingly is more moderate.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
It is most commonly used before adjectives to intensify them. When used at the start of a sentence, it should always be followed by a comma. It is neutral in register, making it safe for almost any situation.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is using the adjective 'surprising' when the adverb 'surprisingly' is needed to modify an adjective. Another mistake is forgetting the comma when starting a sentence with this word.
Tips
Use it to add flavor to descriptions
Instead of just saying something was good, say it was surprisingly good to show it exceeded your expectations.
Avoid overusing it in formal reports
In very strict academic writing, too many adverbs like surprisingly can make your work seem subjective rather than objective.
The British use of 'Not Surprisingly'
In British English, 'not surprisingly' is frequently used to politely confirm that an outcome was exactly as predicted.
Word Origin
Derived from the Middle English 'surprise' (to overcome), which comes from Old French, combined with the adverbial suffix '-ly'.
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, using 'surprisingly' is a way to manage expectations and can sometimes be used for understatement.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Surprise' + 'ly'. It's like saying 'In a way that is a surprise.'
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsSurprising is an adjective used to describe a noun, while surprisingly is an adverb used to modify verbs, adjectives, or whole sentences.
It can be placed at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, or immediately before the adjective it is modifying.
It is neutral and can be used in both casual conversations and professional writing.
Yes, it can describe both positive and negative unexpected outcomes, such as 'surprisingly bad' or 'surprisingly good'.
Test Yourself
The exam was ___ difficult, even for the top students.
We need an adverb to modify the adjective 'difficult'.
Which of these sentences is correct?
In this sentence, 'surprisingly' modifies the entire event and is followed by a comma.
well / performed / the / surprisingly / team / .
The adverb 'surprisingly' should come before the adverb 'well' to modify it.
Score: /3
Summary
Use surprisingly to highlight facts or qualities that defy normal expectations or logic.
- Used to show that something is unexpected or unusual.
- Can modify adjectives to show an unexpected degree.
- Often starts a sentence to set a tone of surprise.
Use it to add flavor to descriptions
Instead of just saying something was good, say it was surprisingly good to show it exceeded your expectations.
Avoid overusing it in formal reports
In very strict academic writing, too many adverbs like surprisingly can make your work seem subjective rather than objective.
The British use of 'Not Surprisingly'
In British English, 'not surprisingly' is frequently used to politely confirm that an outcome was exactly as predicted.
Examples
4 of 4The coffee at this cheap cafe is surprisingly good.
The coffee at this cheap cafe is surprisingly good.
Surprisingly, the results of the study were the opposite of what we predicted.
Surprisingly, the results of the study were the opposite of what we predicted.
He was surprisingly calm after the car accident.
He was surprisingly calm after the car accident.
The data showed a surprisingly high correlation between the two variables.
The data showed a surprisingly high correlation between the two variables.
