What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
unexpected
Example
The sudden rainstorm was unexpected. [unexpected: adjective]
Example
She received an unexpected gift from her friend. [unexpected: adjective]
surprising
Example
The magician's trick was surprising and impressive. [surprising: adjective]
Example
It was surprising to see how much he had grown since the last time we met. [surprising: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surprising is more commonly used than unexpected in everyday language. Surprising is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while unexpected is more formal and less commonly used.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between unexpected and surprising?
Unexpected is typically associated with a formal tone, while surprising can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a wider range of situations.
