Make a surprise vs Plan a surprise

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Make a surprise' is less common and might imply physically creating something surprising, while 'plan a surprise' is more commonly used and refers to organizing or arranging a surprise for someone.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2039 views

Make a surprise

This phrase is correct but less common. It might imply physically creating something surprising.

This phrase can be used when referring to physically creating something surprising, like a special gift or a unique experience.

Examples:

I'm going to make a surprise for my friend's birthday by baking her favorite cake.
He made a surprise for his parents by organizing a family reunion.
She made a surprise for her partner by decorating the house with candles and flowers.

Show examples from the web [+]

She wants to make a surprise for Christmas to all her guests.
An old husband and one of his friends has decided to make a surprise to his wife on their wedding anniversary and we can say that it is a huge surprise.
School ended and I decided to make a surprise to my Princess and fly with her to the enchanted Disneyland that she loves!
Are you still looking for the perfect gift to celebrate Valentine's Day? Friday is just a few days away, but don't panic: you have many ways to make a surprise to your partner and show him/her your love.
The myth of Father Christmas stimulates the desire to offer what is pleasing and to make a surprise in order to produce the amazement of the younger and older ones.
The myth of Father Christmas stimulates the desire to offer what is pleasing and to make a surprise in order to produce the amazement of the younger and older ones. A feast where we enjoy amazement in the warmth of a family home goes beyond its commercial aspects.
I just wondered if you might want to make a surprise appearance.
I will make a surprise visit to Miss Verinder.
The detection grid will make a surprise attack difficult.
I know, but since I told you I have to make a surprise...
Apply it on your finger and make a surprise to your partner, caress the whole body with a magical touch.
Ladies, I just got word that the New York Times food critic may make a surprise visit this afternoon.
Insert the day of your marriage, or make a surprise to the next bride and groom to be NOTE: announcements are inserted in chronological order.
Despot Uglješa wanted to make a surprise attack on the Ottomans in their capital city, Edirne, while Murad I was in Asia Minor.
Choose the best accessories for talking Tom, because today he is going to make a surprise for his sweetheart.
Stephen responded quickly, taking an army into the fens and using boats lashed together to form a causeway that allowed him to make a surprise attack on the isle.
Wait here, I'm going to make a surprise for her!
The resulting blow to the Johnson campaign, taken together with other factors, led the President to make a surprise announcement in a March 31 televised speech that he was pulling out of the race.
And somewhere along the lines, Krauser is forced to make a surprise appearance to teach some lessons about life and the Public Obscenity Haircut!
We wanted to make a surprise attack.

Alternatives:

prepare a surprise
create a surprise
organize a surprise

Plan a surprise

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to organizing or arranging a surprise for someone.

This phrase is used when you are arranging a surprise event or activity for someone without their knowledge.