by surprise
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Volunteer driver Pete Hammond was wrongly sent fines totalling around £800 for his trips for the food bank, which took him by surprise as his new car was the same model as his previous one.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
And so when she hears it again, it takes her by surprise.
From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026
These events are a reminder of how we are completely taken by surprise, and how such short spaces of time show the limits of traditional warning systems.
From Science Daily • May 21, 2026
And he vowed to "fight relentlessly" with further strikes that would catch Moscow by surprise.
From Barron's • May 17, 2026
Stone’s engagement had caught Anthony by surprise, because the two women had discussed the issue and Stone had said that she planned never to marry.
From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling
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