Surprised At, By, With, To, & That – English Grammar Lesson
Introduction
Welcome to NJCLT's comprehensive English grammar lesson on the usage of "surprised at," "surprised by," "surprised with," "surprised to," and "surprised that". In this lesson, we will delve into the nuances of these expressions and provide you with detailed explanations and examples.
Surprised At
When we use "surprised at," it indicates the cause or reason for the surprise. It is often used when we are taken aback by something unexpected. For example:
- I was surprised at the sudden turn of events.
- She was surprised at the outcome of the experiment.
- We were surprised at his sudden disappearance.
Surprised By
When we use "surprised by," it indicates the source or agent that caused the surprise. It implies that someone or something is responsible for the surprise. For example:
- I was surprised by her kind gesture.
- He was surprised by the sudden arrival of his friends.
- The audience was surprised by the magician's tricks.
Surprised With
When we use "surprised with," it indicates the means or manner in which the surprise is delivered. It suggests that someone or something has provided the surprise. For example:
- I was surprised with a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
- They were surprised with a delicious birthday cake.
- She was surprised with an extravagant gift.
Surprised To
When we use "surprised to," it indicates the reaction or emotion experienced upon being surprised. It expresses the feeling of astonishment or disbelief. For example:
- I was surprised to see him at the party.
- She was surprised to hear the news of their engagement.
- We were surprised to find the shop closed.
Surprised That
When we use "surprised that," it indicates the content or nature of the surprise. It focuses on what caused the surprise. For example:
- I was surprised that he managed to solve the puzzle so quickly.
- She was surprised that they won the competition.
- They were surprised that the meeting lasted so long.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a clear understanding of the correct usage of "surprised at," "surprised by," "surprised with," "surprised to," and "surprised that." Remember to pay attention to the subtle differences in meaning that each expression carries. Using them accurately will enhance your English communication skills.
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