I was flabbergasted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was flabbergasted' is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it typically means that someone was extremely surprised or shocked by something. Example: "When I heard the news, I was flabbergasted. I couldn't believe my ears!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was flabbergasted.

The New York Times

"I was flabbergasted," Amy said.

The New York Times

"I was flabbergasted," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

"I was flabbergasted, frankly," he said.

The New Yorker

I was flabbergasted that it came up here".

The New York Times - Sports

The scales he used to play, I was flabbergasted.

The New York Times - Arts

"I was flabbergasted by the chaos of it all.

The New Yorker

Emma teased me for being fussy, but I was flabbergasted.

The New York Times - Travel

"When I saw it initially I was flabbergasted.

The New York Times - Arts

"The first few, I was flabbergasted," she said.

The New York Times

"I was flabbergasted," he said in an interview on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was flabbergasted" to express a strong feeling of surprise or astonishment, especially when encountering something unexpected or unbelievable. It's effective in both formal and informal contexts to add emphasis to your reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "I was flabbergasted" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, diversify your vocabulary with synonyms like "I was astonished" or "I was amazed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was flabbergasted" primarily functions as an expression of surprise or astonishment. Ludwig shows it is frequently used to convey a strong reaction to unexpected events or information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was flabbergasted" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to convey a strong feeling of surprise or astonishment. Ludwig AI validates its appropriateness across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overuse. Alternatives like ""I was astonished"" or ""I was amazed"" can help diversify your writing. This phrase is suitable for expressing your reaction to unexpected events or shocking news.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was astonished

Emphasizes a sense of great surprise and wonder, similar to flabbergasted but potentially with a more positive connotation.

I was astounded

Highlights an overwhelming sense of wonder and disbelief, similar to amazed but potentially more profound.

I was amazed

Highlights a feeling of wonder and delight, often in response to something impressive or unexpected.

I was dumbfounded

Indicates a state of speechlessness due to shock or amazement, emphasizing the inability to react verbally.

I was stunned

Suggests a temporary state of shock or disbelief, implying a stronger emotional impact than simply surprised.

I was bowled over

Suggests being overwhelmed by surprise or admiration, often used for something exceptionally impressive.

I was taken aback

Implies a sudden surprise that causes a momentary pause or reaction, highlighting the unexpected nature of the event.

I was shocked

Conveys a strong emotional reaction to something unexpected, often with negative implications.

I was surprised

Offers a general expression of unexpectedness, less intense than flabbergasted but suitable for milder situations.

I couldn't believe my ears

Focuses on disbelief regarding something heard, conveying shock and incredulity.

FAQs

How can I use "I was flabbergasted" in a sentence?

"I was flabbergasted" is typically used to express extreme surprise or astonishment at something unexpected. For example, "When I learned that I had won the lottery, "I was flabbergasted"."

What are some alternatives to saying "I was flabbergasted"?

You can use alternatives like "I was astonished", "I was amazed", "I was stunned", or "I was surprised" depending on the context.

Is "I was flabbergasted" formal or informal?

"I was flabbergasted" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the informal side due to its expressive nature. It is suitable for expressing strong surprise in various settings.

What does "I was flabbergasted" mean?

"I was flabbergasted" means that you were extremely surprised or shocked by something. It conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by astonishment.