VOA慢速英语2019--How to Say 'I'm Not Surprised'

 

Do you ever hear a story and think to yourself, "I knew that" or "it's not surprising to me?"

This week on Everyday Grammar, we will look at different ways to say that you are not surprised when you hear what someone says or does.

One way to express this is by saying "it is no wonder." The word wonder is often used in English to express a feeling of unpredictability or uncertainty¹. On a recent episode² of Ask a Teacher, we explained how to use wonder in a question. When using the expression “it is no wonder,” you are saying you really have no questions at all about this event. On a sunny day, for example, you might look outside the window and say, "It's no wonder that the park is crowded. The weather is beautiful!"

Listen to the American singer James Swanberg telling about his relationship with a friend. This song says he's not surprised that they are together.

It's No Wonder

It's No Wonder We're Together

Oh Cuz There's No One I Like Better

It's No Wonder We're United⁴

Our next expression is “of course.” You can hear this saying every day when someone reacts⁵ to a statement⁶ that is almost always true.

A: Ahmed stayed late last night to help with our project.

B: Of course. He's very generous⁷ with his time.

Another expression that you will hear when somebody is not surprised is "it figures." If you just look at the word "figure," you might imagine this has something to do with mathematics⁸ and adding up numbers. But in fact, the person who says "it figures" is putting together ideas and recognizing that their thoughts about those ideas are correct.

The Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette tells about an incident⁹ like this in her hit song “Ironic.’

It's a free ride when you've already paid

It's the good advice that you just didn't take

And who would've thought—it figures!

The singer is telling us that she thinks - or figures - that bad things will always happen to her.

Another expression used when someone is not surprised is "what do you expect?"

1: Those kids across the street are so loud.

2: What do you expect? They're celebrating their graduation.

Finally, let's look at how people use the word typical. It is often used when you are unhappy or dissatisfied¹⁰ with something that has happened.

1: The bus is late, so I can't make it to the meeting on time.

2: Typical! You should take the train. It's more dependable.

Differences between these expressions

Now, let’s review what we discussed today. The first two expressions, "it's no wonder" and "of course," can be used for an approving or positive reaction to an event. But the second two expressions, "it figures" and "typical," usually show more of negative, or not so nice, reaction.

Listen for these expressions the next time you are watching an American television show or movie. Try to use them when you are speaking English, and your listeners¹¹ will know that you are not surprised.

I'm John Russell.

Words in This Story

park – n. a piece of public land in or near a city that is kept free of houses and other buildings and can be used for pleasure and exercise

of course – used to show that what is being said is very obvious or already generally known¹²

generous – adj. providing more than the amount that is needed or normal : abundant¹³ or ample³

typical – adj. happening in the usual way; normal for a person, thing, or group : average or usual

review – v. to study or look at (something) again

positive – adj. : thinking about the good qualities of someone or something : thinking that a good result will happen : hopeful or optimistic

1 uncertainty   

n.易变，靠不住，不确知，不确定的事物

参考例句：

• Her comments will add to the uncertainty of the situation.她的批评将会使局势更加不稳定。
• After six weeks of uncertainty,the strain was beginning to take its toll.6个星期的忐忑不安后，压力开始产生影响了。

2 episode   

n.（作品的一段）情节，插曲，系列事件中之一

参考例句：

• The episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.这段小插曲令所有有关人员都感到非常尴尬。
• This episode remains sharply engraved on my mind.这段经历至今仍深深地铭刻在我的心中。

3 ample   

adj.充分的，富裕的，宽敞的，宽大的

参考例句：

• Let's produce ample food and clothing with our own hands.自己动手，丰衣足食。
• The supply is ample and prices are stable.供应充沛，物价稳定。

4 united   

adj.和谐的；团结的；联合的，统一的

参考例句：

• The whole nation is closely united.全国人民紧密团结。
• The two men were united by community of interests.共同的利益使两个人结合在一起。

5 reacts   

起反应( react的第三人称单数 )； 反对； （对食物等）有不良反应； 物质起化学反应

参考例句：

• A dog reacts to kindness by wagging its tail. 狗摇尾巴以报答人们的爱护。
• The eye reacts to the light. 眼睛会对光作出反应。

6 statement   

n.陈述；声明；综述

参考例句：

• The government will put out a new statement tomorrow.政府将于明天发布一项新声明。
• Put down your statement in black and white.把你的话用白纸黑字写下来。

7 generous   

adj.慷慨的，大方的，慷慨给予的

参考例句：

• She was kind and generous.她心地善良，宽容大量。
• She was generous with her money.她很乐于仗义疏财。

8 mathematics   

n.（用作单）数学；（用作单或复）计算(能力）

参考例句：

• He has come out in front in the study of mathematics.他在数学方面已名列前茅。
• She is working at a difficult problem in mathematics.她在做一道数学难题。

9 incident   

n.附带事件，小事件；事件，事变；adj.易发生的；附属的；入射的

参考例句：

• With the passage of time the incident was forgotten.随着时间的消逝，那个事件被忘却了。
• The incident had left him visibly angry and upset.那起事件显然让他既恼火又心烦。

10 dissatisfied   

a.不满的

参考例句：

• If you are dissatisfied with our service, please write to the manager. 对我们的服务如有不满，请函告经理。
• There was a dissatisfied look in the magager's eyes. 经理的眼睛里露出不满的神色。

11 listeners   

n.倾听者，收听者( listener的名词复数 )；听众

参考例句：

• the demographics of radio listeners 电台听众统计数据
• The singer's high notes jarred on the ears of her listeners. 那位歌手的高音让听众们觉得刺耳。 来自《简明英汉词典》

12 known   

adj.大家知道的；知名的，已知的

参考例句：

• He is a known artist.他是一个知名的艺术家。
• He is known both as a painter and as a statesman.他是知名的画家及政治家。

13 abundant   

adj.丰富的，充足的，大量的，多的

参考例句：

• Shandong province is famous for its abundant agricultural resources.山东省以其丰富的农业资源而闻名遐迩。
• China is abundant with natural resources.中国自然资源丰富。