surprise

Everyday

1. A surprise is something you did not expect, such as a present or a sudden event. tree →
2. Surprise is the feeling you have when something unexpected happens. tree →
3. To surprise someone means to do something they did not expect, often to make them happy. tree →
4. A surprise party or gift is kept secret until the moment it is given. tree →

In the lessons

In stories surprise tells the reader that something unexpected happens; a character may gasp or open their eyes wide. In science a surprising result is one you did not predict, which makes you check and think again. In everyday life there are surprise parties, surprise visits and surprise tests. Phrases: to my surprise, take someone by surprise, surprise party, what a surprise.

Examples

• What a lovely surprise! Thank you for the flowers. tree →
• We are planning a surprise party for Mum's birthday. tree →
• To my surprise, the little seed grew into a huge sunflower. tree →
• The snow in spring took everyone by surprise. tree →
• Grandma surprised us by coming to visit without telling anyone. tree →
• I was surprised to see a hedgehog in the garden. tree →
• The result of the experiment was surprising, so we tested it again. tree →
• Don't jump out to surprise someone on the stairs; they might fall. tree →
• Jack uttered a cry of surprise. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: surprise has an «r» after the «u» (sur-prise), not «suprise». «Surprised» is how you feel; «surprising» is the thing that causes the feeling («I was surprised; the news was surprising»). A good surprise is kept secret, but a secret that makes you feel unsafe is not a surprise and should be told to a trusted adult.