Surprisingly, the word ‘surprisingly’ is often misused. We’ve all heard it be used in conversation, “Surprisingly, I nailed that test even though I didn’t study!” but this isn’t exactly the correct use of the word. In fact, surprisingly should only be used when a fact or information is unexpected.
For example, “Surprisingly, the new restaurant in town has turned out to be better than I expected.” This sentence implies that the speaker had low expectations for the restaurant, but was impressed by the quality of food and service. It’s important to use the word correctly in order to convey the intended message and avoid confusion.
So, the next time you are tempted to use the word ‘surprisingly’, take a moment to review if the information you are presenting is actually unexpected or catches the listener off guard. If not, it may be best to use a different word altogether. With that said, using ‘surprisingly’ correctly can add a touch of excitement and intrigue to your language, making it one of many words to keep in your verbal arsenal.
Synonyms for Surprisingly
When it comes to expressing surprise in writing, using the word “surprisingly” over and over can become repetitive and lose its impact. Instead, consider using one of these synonyms:
- Astonishingly
- Unbelievably
- Astoundingly
- Remarkably
- Startlingly
- Jaw-droppingly
- Stunningly
- Incredibly
- Fascinatingly
- Bewilderingly
Each of these words can add a different level of emphasis to your sentence while still conveying surprise.
To see the different nuances of these words, consider the following examples:
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| Astonishingly | The magician performed an astonishingly complex trick. |
| Unbelievably | It was unbelievably hot outside, even for the desert. |
| Astoundingly | The amount of money raised for charity was astoundingly high. |
| Remarkably | The speaker gave a remarkably compelling presentation. |
| Startlingly | The sudden noise from the car startled me. |
| Jaw-droppingly | The view from the top of the mountain was jaw-droppingly beautiful. |
| Stunningly | The actress looked stunningly beautiful on the red carpet. |
| Incredibly | The athlete’s feat was incredibly impressive. |
| Fascinatingly | The documentary explored a fascinatingly complex topic. |
| Bewilderingly | The directions to the house were bewilderingly confusing. |
As you can see, using a synonym for “surprisingly” can add texture and depth to your writing while still conveying the surprise you intend.
Examples of Starting Sentences with Surprisingly
Surprisingly, it turns out that starting a business is not as complicated as most people think. By breaking down the process into smaller, achievable goals, you can make your dreams of entrepreneurship a reality.
Surprisingly, the most successful leaders are not always the most charismatic or outgoing. In fact, introverts often excel in leadership roles due to their ability to listen, observe, and make thoughtful decisions.
Surprisingly, cooking an elaborate meal is not as time-consuming as it may seem. By using meal prep techniques and planning ahead, you can make a gourmet dinner in under 30 minutes.
Examples of Starting Sentences with Surprisingly in a List
- Surprisingly, the Earth’s magnetic field is not constant and has been known to flip polarity.
- Surprisingly, the average person swallows up to eight spiders in their sleep each year.
- Surprisingly, the world’s largest snowflake was reportedly 15 inches wide and eight inches thick.
Examples of Starting Sentences with Surprisingly in a Paragraph
Surprisingly, studies have shown that taking breaks throughout the workday can actually increase productivity and creative thinking. By stepping away from your desk and giving your brain a rest, you may find that you come up with new ideas and approach problems in a fresh way.
Surprisingly, some of the world’s most beloved inventions were discovered by accident. From Post-it notes to Viagra, sometimes the most groundbreaking discoveries come from unexpected places.
Surprisingly, according to a recent survey, millennials are actually saving more money than their baby boomer parents did at their age. Despite being burdened with student loan debt and a tough job market, young people are finding ways to budget and save for the future.
Examples of Starting Sentences with Surprisingly in a Table
| Animal | Surprising Fact |
|---|---|
| Elephant | Surprisingly, elephants have reportedly been seen mourning the loss of their loved ones and engaging in funeral-like rituals. |
| Giraffe | Surprisingly, giraffes only need to drink water once every few days, as they can obtain most of their hydration from the leaves they eat. |
| Sloth | Surprisingly, sloths only defecate once a week, and when they do, they lose up to 30% of their body weight. |
Ways to Replace Surprisingly in a Sentence
Surprisingly is a commonly used adverb in English language, and often used to describe an unexpected or astonishing event. However, using too much of any one word can make your writing feel repetitive and dull. Luckily, there are many alternative words and phrases that can be used instead of surprisingly to give your writing more variety and interest. Here are a few examples:
- Interestingly
- Unexpectedly
- Astonishingly
- Remarkably
- Curiously
By using these alternatives, you can communicate the same meaning as surprisingly without using the same word over and over again. However, it’s important to note that these alternatives may not always be appropriate for every context. You should always consider the tone and purpose of your writing before choosing a replacement word.
Another way to avoid using surprisingly repeatedly is to use a broader range of vocabulary in general. The more varied your word choices, the more engaging and interesting your writing will be. Consider using a thesaurus or other writing resource to find new and exciting ways to express your ideas.
Finally, it’s important to remember that sometimes, the best way to replace surprisingly is simply to remove it altogether. In many cases, the context of a sentence will make the element of surprise clear without explicitly stating it. Here’s an example:
| Before: | Surprisingly, the tiny village had a world-renowned museum. |
| After: | The tiny village had a world-renowned museum. |
In this case, the word surprisingly is not necessary to convey the unexpectedness of the situation – the fact that a tiny village has a world-renowned museum is already surprising enough. By removing surprisingly, the sentence becomes more concise and effective.
Adverb Placement After Surprisingly
Surprisingly is an adverb that is often used to express something unexpected or shocking. When using surprisingly in a sentence, the placement of adverbs is important for conveying meaning and clarity. Here are some guidelines for using adverbs after surprisingly:
- When an adverb modifies surprisingly, it is typically placed before surprisingly. For example, “Extremely surprisingly, he won the race.”
- If an adverb modifies the verb that follows surprisingly, it should be placed after the verb. For instance, “He surprisingly completed the puzzle quickly.”
- If there are multiple adverbs in a sentence, they can be placed before or after surprisingly depending on the intended meaning. Consider the sentence “Surprisingly, she sang the song beautifully and flawlessly.”
In addition to these guidelines, it is important to consider the context of the sentence when determining the placement of adverbs. Here are some examples:
Example 1: “Surprisingly, Sarah enjoys skydiving.”
| Adverb Placement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Before surprisingly | The fact that Sarah enjoys skydiving is unexpected. |
In this example, the adverb surprisingly is placed before the subject of the sentence, Sarah, to emphasize that her enjoyment of skydiving is unexpected.
Example 2: “He surprisingly finished the marathon in under three hours.”
| Adverb Placement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| After the verb | The fact that he finished the marathon in under three hours is unexpected. |
In this example, the adverb surprisingly is placed after the verb finished, emphasizing that the unexpectedly fast completion of the marathon is what is surprising.
Overall, the placement of adverbs after surprisingly should be chosen based on the intended meaning of the sentence and the context in which it is used.
Using Surprisingly in Formal Writing
Surprisingly is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts, including formal writing. While it may seem too colloquial for academic or professional writing, when used appropriately, it can add emphasis and nuance to your arguments.
- Use surprisingly to introduce unexpected statistics or information. For example, “Surprisingly, research shows that a majority of CEOs believe sustainability is essential to their company’s success.”
- Use surprisingly to challenge commonly held beliefs or assumptions. For example, “Surprisingly, many studies have found that social media use has no significant impact on mental health.”
- Use surprisingly to highlight a contrast or contradiction. For example, “Surprisingly, the company’s profits have increased despite a decrease in customer satisfaction.”
When using surprisingly in formal writing, it’s important to ensure that it’s used appropriately. Avoid using it too frequently or in situations where it may be perceived as dismissive or unprofessional. Additionally, make sure that any surprising information presented is supported by reliable sources and fits within the context of your argument.
Here’s an example of how to use surprisingly in context:
| Argument: | Many believe that renewable energy is too expensive and not economically viable. |
|---|---|
| Counterargument: | Surprisingly, numerous studies have found that renewable energy is actually cost-competitive with fossil fuels in many regions. |
In this example, the use of surprisingly adds weight to the counterargument and challenges the commonly held belief that renewable energy is too expensive. By using it appropriately and effectively, you can enhance your writing and improve the impact of your arguments.
Overusing Surprisingly in Writing
Surprisingly is a word that can add spice to your writing. It can be used to express irony, unexpectedness, and exaggerated surprise. Like any other word, the key is to use surprisingly in moderation. Otherwise, it can lose impact and become a filler word. Here are some pitfalls to avoid when incorporating surprisingly into your writing:
- Using surprisingly too often. Once you start noticing how often surprisingly appears in your writing, it’s likely you’re overusing it. Like salt, a small pinch can enhance the flavor, but too much can ruin the dish.
- Using it when it’s not needed. Surprisingly is often used to express something unexpected, but if the unexpected thing isn’t really surprising, it’s unnecessary. Beware of using it for the sake of using it.
- Not varying sentence structure. Using surprisingly in the same way, sentence after sentence, can become predictable and tedious. Mix up the sentence structure so using surprisingly feels fresh.
To illustrate how to use surprisingly effectively, let’s take a look at a table comparing two examples:
| Example | Surprisingly used effectively? |
|---|---|
| “Surprisingly, I discovered that I loved sushi.” | No. This isn’t really surprising. It’s a cliche that many people enjoy sushi. |
| “I was skeptical about trying sushi, but after the first bite, my taste buds exploded. I never imagined raw fish could taste this delicious.” | Yes. This uses surprisingly effectively because the first sentence sets up an expectation of disliking sushi, and then the second sentence delivers the surprise of unexpectedly loving it. |
Remember, the goal is to use surprisingly to enhance your writing, not to become a crutch. Use it sparingly and deliberately, and your readers will be pleasantly surprised.
Ways to Convey Surprise in Writing
Surprise is an emotion that can be difficult to capture in writing, but when done effectively, it can be a powerful tool for engaging readers and keeping them hooked. One way to convey surprise in writing is through the use of the word “surprisingly”. Here are some ways to use this word to convey surprise:
- Use “surprisingly” at the beginning of a sentence to introduce an unexpected fact or outcome. For example: “Surprisingly, the shy and introverted girl was the star of the talent show.”
- Use “surprisingly” to show a contrast between expectations and reality. For example: “The restaurant had terrible reviews, but surprisingly, the food was some of the best we’ve ever tasted.”
- Use “surprisingly” to express disbelief or astonishment. For example: “Surprisingly, he managed to finish the entire marathon in under three hours.”
Using “surprisingly” is just one way to convey surprise in writing. Other ways include using exclamation points, setting up expectations and then subverting them, using descriptive language to create a dramatic effect, and more. The key is to keep readers guessing and engaged by injecting unexpected moments of surprise throughout your writing.
To really drive the point home, here’s an example of how “surprisingly” can be used:
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| The test results were positive. | Surprisingly, the test results were positive. |
| The company was struggling. | Surprisingly, the struggling company managed to turn a profit this quarter. |
Adding “surprisingly” to these sentences creates a sense of unexpectedness and surprise, drawing the reader in and making them more interested in the content.
FAQs: How Do You Use Surprisingly in a Sentence?
1. What does surprisingly mean?
Surprisingly is an adverb that denotes unexpectedness or surprise in a situation or event.
2. How do you use surprisingly in a sentence?
You can use surprisingly in a sentence by placing it before or after the verb. For example, “Surprisingly, I found the book to be quite interesting” or “I found the book to be surprisingly interesting.”
3. Can you give me more examples of how to use surprisingly in a sentence?
Sure, here are some examples:
– Surprisingly, the movie had a happy ending despite its dark beginning.
– The test was surprisingly easy, and I finished it quickly.
– He surprisingly showed up at the party even though he said he wouldn’t.
4. Is surprisingly only used for positive situations?
No, you can use surprisingly for both positive and negative situations. For example, “Surprisingly, the company went bankrupt despite its success in the past.”
5. Can you use other words instead of surprisingly?
Yes, other words that can be used instead of surprisingly include unexpectedly, remarkably, astonishingly, and surprisingly enough.
6. How does using surprisingly enhance my writing?
Using surprisingly adds a layer of intrigue and interest to your writing by conveying the element of surprise.
7. Is it important to use surprisingly in writing?
While it is not essential to use surprisingly in writing, it can be a useful tool to add depth and intrigue to your writing.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to learn about how to use surprisingly in a sentence. Adding this adverb to your writing can take it to the next level by adding unexpectedness and surprise. Remember to keep practicing and experimenting with using surprisingly in different ways. Happy writing, and visit us again for more writing tips!