I found it shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I found it shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing surprise or disbelief about a particular situation or event. Example: "After hearing the news about the scandal, I found it shocking that such a thing could happen in our community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I found it shocking at how cold it was – the brutal nature of justice.

Independent

When I listened to Governor Romney referring repeatedly with disdain to Greece and its dire situation, I found it shocking, insulting and incomprehensible.

Huffington Post

"I found it shocking," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

"I found it shocking in the famous Premier League, to be without such basic functions".

The Guardian - Sport

"I found it shocking that it was being published miles from where I grew up," Mr. Levin said.

The New York Times

"I found it shocking that in a country with our overall national income people need food banks," he said.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I find it shocking.

Independent

I find it shocking that a politician dedicated to the pursuit of peace would not view this violence as serious.

The New York Times

"I find it shocking that an asset class that has provided so little payback continues to attract so much capital".

The New York Times - Tech

"I find it shocking the way the press put people out there right away and you're practically in bed with them," she says.

Science Magazine

"I find it shocking on many levels, and one is the extent to which the law is being used more than any time in Thailand's modern history," said Pavin Chachavalpongpun, associate professor at the Center for Southeast Asian Studies at Japan's Kyoto University.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I found it shocking" to express a strong feeling of surprise, disbelief, or dismay regarding a particular event or piece of information. Ensure the context clearly identifies what you found shocking.

Common error

While appropriate in many contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "I was astonished" or "I was dismayed" in academic or professional writing to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I found it shocking" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subjective reaction of surprise, disbelief, or dismay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples show its widespread usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I found it shocking" is a common and grammatically correct way to express surprise or disbelief, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is prevalent in news and media, and, while generally neutral, it might be considered slightly informal in very formal contexts. When writing, remember to clearly identify what you found shocking. Consider using more formal alternatives like "I was astonished" in academic or professional settings to maintain a polished tone. Related phrases like "I was shocked by it" and "It came as a shock to me" offer similar ways to convey surprise with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It shocked me

A more direct and concise way of expressing the same sentiment.

I was shocked by it

This alternative uses a passive construction to emphasize the feeling of shock.

It came as a shock to me

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the shocking event.

I was astonished by it

Replaces "shocking" with "astonished", indicating a strong sense of surprise.

I was taken aback by it

Indicates a feeling of surprise and mild offense or discomfort.

I was appalled by it

Conveys a stronger negative reaction of disgust and outrage.

I found it to be appalling

This alternative uses "appalling" to describe the level of shock.

I couldn't believe it

Focuses on the disbelief caused by the shocking event.

I never expected that

Highlights the unexpected nature of the situation.

That was a real eye-opener

Suggests that the experience was revealing and surprising.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "I found it shocking"?

You can use alternatives like "I was astonished", "I was appalled", or "it came as a shock depending on the context.

How can I use "I found it shocking" in a sentence?

Use "I found it shocking" to express surprise or disbelief about something unexpected. For example, "I found it shocking that so few people voted in the election".

Is "I found it shocking" formal or informal?

"I found it shocking" is generally considered neutral but can lean towards informal. In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "I was surprised" or "I was taken aback".

What's the difference between "I found it shocking" and "I was shocked by it"?

While both convey surprise, "I found it shocking" emphasizes your judgment of the situation, whereas "I was shocked by it" focuses on your emotional reaction.