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surprised by vs surprised at

Both 'surprised by' and 'surprised at' are correct and commonly used in English. The choice between them depends on the context and personal preference.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1499 views

surprised by

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'surprised by' when you want to indicate the cause of the surprise or the person/thing that caused the surprise.

Examples:

  • I was surprised by the news of his promotion.
  • She was surprised by the sudden change in weather.
  • Mar 20, 2023 ... In the Metamorphoses, the Roman author Ovid tells the story of how the lovers Venus and Mars were surprised by Venus's husband, Vulcan.
  • Aug 16, 2021 ... Biden team surprised by rapid Taliban gains in Afghanistan ... WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and other top U.S. officials were stunned on ...
  • May 6, 2023 ... Warren Buffett says Berkshire managers were surprised by economic slowdown, earnings to decline. Published Sat, May 6 20233:30 PM EDT ...

Alternatives:

  • taken by surprise
  • caught off guard
  • startled by

surprised at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Use 'surprised at' when you want to express surprise about a specific event or situation.

Examples:

  • I was surprised at how quickly he finished the project.
  • She was surprised at the outcome of the game.
  • Palmistry, I'm surprised at you.
  • I'm really surprised at the way you're behaving with this.
  • I'm surprised at you, girl.
  • I'm just surprised at this hateful accusation.
  • I'm surprised at you, Dean.
  • You'd be surprised at what you have yet to see.
  • I'm always surprised at where just a simple question can take us.
  • Really? I'm surprised at how quickly you came to that conclusion.
  • All the same, I'm surprised at your condition.
  • I'm surprised at that reaction, but I am.
  • YouҒll be surprised at how many cooperators are willing to talk to those seeking more information.
  • I was surprised at your anger towards Aethelred.
  • M company was surprised at our working efficiency.
  • I think you'll be surprised at my...
  • Lupo, I'm surprised at you.
  • You'd be surprised at the incredible stories he can tell.
  • Lawrence, I'm surprised at you.
  • She was not surprised at seeing him there.
  • I was surprised at your supper invitation, Miss Farnsworth.
  • I was not surprised at the TEDster and New Yorker magazine overlap.

Alternatives:

  • astonished at
  • amazed at
  • shocked at

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