Cool MateUnexpected vs Weren't expecting that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Unexpected
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
Weren't expecting that
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Unexpected
| Unexpected | Weren't expecting that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //wɜːnt ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ ðæt//🇺🇸 //wɜrnt ɪkˈspɛktɪŋ ðæt// |
| Meaning | Something that happens suddenly and is not planned. | A surprise or sudden change that is not anticipated. |
| Example | The unexpected turn of events left everyone in shock. | When she won the lottery, we all said, 'weren't expecting that!' |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, most, very, completely | really weren't expecting that, totally weren't expecting that, kind of weren't expecting that, honestly weren't expecting that |
| Antonyms | expected, anticipated, predictable | - |
| Common mistakes | Confusing it with 'expected'., Using it with the wrong noun (e.g., 'an unexpected result' not 'an unexpected results')., Overusing it in a context where 'surprising' may be more appropriate. | Incorrectly using in formal contexts., Using with a positive tone when context is negative., Failing to use the contraction correctly, e.g., saying 'were not expecting that'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'unexpected' when referring to events or outcomes that surprise someone. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts, appropriate for writing and speech. Avoid using it in overly casual contexts or when discussing planned surprises. | Used primarily in casual spoken English to express surprise or disbelief. It's not suitable for formal writing. Best used among friends or in informal contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Unexpected vs Weren't expecting that
What's the difference between Unexpected and Weren't expecting that?
Unexpected: Something that happens suddenly and is not planned. Weren't expecting that: A surprise or sudden change that is not anticipated.
Which is more formal: Unexpected and Weren't expecting that?
Unexpected is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Unexpected: The unexpected turn of events left everyone in shock. Weren't expecting that: When she won the lottery, we all said, 'weren't expecting that!'
Can I use Unexpected and Weren't expecting that interchangeably?
Not always. Unexpected and Weren't expecting that are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.