Cool MateThat's unusual vs Unexpected
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
That's unusual
Top 2,000 (common)
Unexpected
Top 2,000 (common)B2adjective
| That's unusual | Unexpected | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ðæts ʌnˈjuːʒəl//🇺🇸 //ðæts ʌnˈjuːʒəl// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/"]/ |
| Meaning | That's not normal or expected. | Something that happens suddenly and is not planned. |
| Example | I saw a cat wearing a hat, and that's unusual. | The unexpected turn of events left everyone in shock. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | that's unusual response, that's unusual behavior, that's unusual circumstance | be, most, very, completely |
| Antonyms | normal, typical, usual | expected, anticipated, predictable |
| Common mistakes | Using inappropriately in formal writing., Mispronouncing as 'that is unusual'., Confusing with 'that's normal' when reacting. | 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. |
| Usage notes | Use in conversations to express surprise or curiosity. Suitable in both casual and formal contexts, but may sound too blunt in very formal settings. | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: That's unusual vs Unexpected
What's the difference between That's unusual and Unexpected?
That's unusual: That's not normal or expected. Unexpected: Something that happens suddenly and is not planned.
Can you show an example of each?
That's unusual: I saw a cat wearing a hat, and that's unusual. Unexpected: The unexpected turn of events left everyone in shock.
Can I use That's unusual and Unexpected interchangeably?
Not always. That's unusual and Unexpected 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.