surprised at/by

Question

I'm surprised at you.I'm surprised by you.I'm surprised at what you said.I'm surprised by what you said.Do all of the above sound right? If yes, are there subtle differences between the first two samples?

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

I'm surprised at you.

I'm surprised by you.

I'm surprised at what you said.

I'm surprised by what you said.

Do all of the above sound right? Yes If yes, are there subtle differences between the first two samples?

By - I feel that this suggests a more direct connection between 'me' and 'you', even that the connection is some form of action. A simple physical example is this. If you come up behind me and startle me, I might say that I was surprised by you, but I definitely wouldn't say 'at you'.

At - Is a much more indirect connection. eg I might be surprised at something George Bush does, but I don't know him. eg I might be surprised at your conduct with regard to someone else in some matter that does not involve me.

Best wishes, Clive

Angliholic · Answer

Thanks, Clive, for the crystal clear and helpful analysis.

I get it now.

surprised at/by

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