I am appalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am appalled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong shock or dismay about a situation or behavior. Example: "After hearing the news about the scandal, I am appalled by the lack of accountability shown by the officials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

JEFFREY TOOBIN: I am appalled.

The New Yorker

I am appalled by it.

Independent

I am appalled, once again.

The New York Times

"I am appalled at times; astonished, disappointed, anxious, worried.

The New York Times - Arts

As a father, uncle and brother, I am appalled.

The New York Times - Sports

I am appalled that we have a president so inhuman.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am appalled by what has happened to Mba.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lucas said: 'I am appalled by these allegations.

The Guardian

"I am appalled at the board's lack of sensitivity.

The New York Times

Hull's manager, Phil Brown, told the Sun: "I am appalled.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead I find I am appalled by it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am appalled" to express strong disapproval or shock in response to a specific event, action, or statement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what you are reacting to.

Common error

Avoid using "I am appalled" for minor inconveniences or disagreements. This phrase carries a strong emotional weight and should be reserved for genuinely shocking or offensive situations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am appalled" functions as an expression of strong disapproval, shock, or dismay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to convey a powerful negative reaction to a situation or behavior. It is often used to express moral outrage or profound disappointment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am appalled" is a powerful expression used to convey strong disapproval, shock, or dismay. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the intensity of the situation and avoid overuse in trivial matters. Alternatives like "I am shocked" or "I am outraged" may be more appropriate for less severe circumstances. Remember to use "I am appalled" judiciously to maintain its impact and ensure your message resonates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I find it appalling

Shifts the focus slightly to the action or situation being considered, rather than the speaker's direct emotional state.

I am shocked

Expresses surprise and often disbelief, with a slightly less intense negative connotation.

I am horrified

Indicates a strong feeling of fear and shock, often in response to something gruesome or disturbing.

I am disgusted

Conveys a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval, focusing on the offensive nature of something.

I am outraged

Expresses intense anger and indignation, typically in response to injustice or wrongdoing.

I am deeply disturbed

Indicates a significant level of unease and concern, suggesting a more profound emotional impact.

This is unacceptable

States a firm rejection of something, often used in formal or professional settings.

I am deeply offended

Expresses strong displeasure and hurt feelings, usually in response to something disrespectful or insulting.

I can't believe it

Expresses disbelief and shock, sometimes used sarcastically to imply strong disapproval.

I strongly disapprove

Conveys a formal and clear statement of disagreement or disapproval.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "I am appalled"?

Use "I am appalled" to express strong feelings of shock, disapproval, or disgust. It's best suited for situations where something significantly violates your moral or ethical standards.

Are there less intense alternatives to "I am appalled"?

Yes, alternatives like "I am concerned", "I am disappointed", or "I disapprove" can convey disapproval without the same level of intensity, depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I am appalled" and "I am disgusted"?

"I am appalled" typically implies a reaction to something morally wrong or shocking, while "I am disgusted" suggests a feeling of revulsion or strong aversion, often to something physically unpleasant or morally offensive.

Can "I am appalled" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "I am appalled" can be used in formal writing, but it should be used judiciously. Ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece and that the strong emotional expression is warranted by the subject matter.