surprise at vs surprise with

Both 'surprise at' and 'surprise with' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Surprise at' is used when expressing the feeling of being unexpectedly amazed or shocked by something, while 'surprise with' is used when indicating the source of the surprise or the thing that causes the surprise.

Last updated: April 06, 2024 • 234 views

Correct. 'Surprise at' is used to express the feeling of being unexpectedly amazed or shocked by something.

"surprise at"

Use 'surprise at' when you want to convey the emotion of being amazed or shocked by something unexpected.

Examples:

I was surprised at how quickly he finished the project.
She expressed her surprise at the news of their engagement.
He looked at me with surprise at my sudden outburst.
The audience gasped in surprise at the magician's trick.
I felt a sense of surprise at the unexpected turn of events.

Show examples from the web [+]

All that being said, I must confess some surprise at the amendments tabled for the approval of this House.
And it is against this background that I must express my surprise at the Commission's position on the Irish Box.
A rigorous and masterful work, a film that will certainly be one of the biggest surprise at this year's festival.
Sound of wheels, new and new horizons, interesting company, changing faces in the compartment and a pleasant surprise at the end.
Simon Gage of the Daily Express gave the album three out of five stars, expressing surprise at Gaga's singing abilities.
You will allow me to express my surprise at the UK's reaction with regard to European farmers.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my surprise at the lack of human and financial resources available to MEPs for investigations.
However, you will allow me to express my surprise at Mr Pirker's speech, in particular.
The overriding reaction was one of surprise at the modest investment, they were impressed that such a remarkable image was easily attainable compared to alternative solutions.
Others expressed surprise at the favour that the Pope had thus shown to bishops holding such positions, with particular regard to Bishop Williamson, who was accused as a Holocaust denier.
Latin lover narrator: It should be noted that although Rose was only playing the part of a concerned wife, her surprise at the affair was 100% real.
Mr President, I would like to express my surprise at both the content and the advisability of the resolution pertaining to safeguarding law and order in Albania.
Let me now express our surprise at the fact that there have been very differing discussions on the subject of the context of the report.
Express surprise at Peralta's statement.
Amanda's face showed surprise at his presumption.
Imagine my surprise at finding one in my own stable.
Booth's surprise at your involvement caused me to reevaluate our arrangement.
You might get a pleasant surprise at just what you can find.
Portugal expressed surprise at not being invited.
This is your second show of surprise at my appearance.

Alternatives:

amazed at
shocked at
astonished at
taken aback by

Correct. 'Surprise with' is used to indicate the source of the surprise or the thing that causes the surprise.

"surprise with"

Use 'surprise with' when you want to specify what is causing the surprise or what is being used to surprise someone.

Examples:

She surprised him with a birthday party.
He was surprised with a gift from his colleagues.
They surprised the children with a trip to the zoo.
I want to surprise her with a special present.
The chef surprised us with a delicious dessert.

Show examples from the web [+]

Based on your own look, if you want to surprise with something original for example, you can choose dotted and colored socks, better if they are long.
Every night knew Mattea to surprise with an original Italian dish with local ingredients us again.
The Twingo Benetton will not fail to surprise with its original upholstery, patterned in multicolored checks combined with a blue background.
A piece of furniture versatile and with modern design, able to surprise with the simplicity of shapes and materials.
Read on Favini at Luxe Pack Monaco 2016 21 Sep 2016 Two new graphic specialties that will know how to surprise with their three-dimensionality in the stage of Monte Carlo.
That he'd never getto share the surprise with her.
A surprise with a sweet note.
And Zürich Card holders receive a surprise with their main meal.
They plan to descend on Greece and take you by surprise with an overwhelming force.
One record that was a real surprise with the Silver 250 in place was Out of Control by the Chemical Brothers.
Last year we gave the surprise with our input and totems of 4.5 m high arch, in ISE 2018 we will soar even more Ribbon .
KITCHEN we can only say that Mark NICHOLAS we were able to surprise with dishes such simple, wholesome, and tasty.
Bet 365 have Spain at odds of 4/1(5) which under circumstances are quite of a surprise with Italy only in the fourth position.
You will be surprise with the oozing welcome party and there is also €750 for accommodation and travel.
You can complete your surprise with:
With the Mix A preparation for gluten free cake and a few ingredients, you'll surprise with these very Christmas biscuits.
Whether floor lamp, table lamp or hanging lamp - all HouseDoctor lamps surprise with an unusual and unique design and are suitable for all rooms.
Very dirty and without the power cord (cut because the machine was used as an ornament) reveals a pleasant surprise with the rare original tamper and 1 coffee filter basket.
Some people prefer small gifts, and full of symbolic meaning, and those who like to surprise with unexpected and precious gifts.

Alternatives:

amaze with
shock with
astonish with
present with

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

surprise at vs surprise with

"surprise at"

"surprise with"

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text