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I was shocked to read
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "I was shocked to read" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express surprise or disbelief at something you read. For example: "I was shocked to read that my neighbor had been arrested for embezzlement."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
36 human-written examples
I was shocked to read passage after passage of my own book embedded in hers.
News & Media
I was shocked to read Brent Staples's glowing review of Japan's educational system.
News & Media
I was shocked to read the figures for HD-related suicide.
News & Media
I was shocked to read your comments about the bridge collapse in Minnesota.
News & Media
Jim O'Neil Portland, Ore . To the Editor: I was shocked to read the nominally cute article by John Tierney.
News & Media
Like Thomas L. Friedman, I was shocked to read that Congress cut financing for the National Science Foundation.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
22 human-written examples
I'm shocked to read this, though I shouldn't be.
News & Media
But Merrick admitted she was shocked to read the Guardian dossier.
News & Media
Dolly Wilson, a leader in the campaign to organize the registered nurses at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, California, was shocked to read a text message she received from another registered nurse.
News & Media
When Grantz opened the letter, she was shocked to read the verdict: Her assailant had been found "responsible for sexual misconduct".
News & Media
I guess I should not have been shocked to read that the State Police found that people are driving aggressively (In Brief: "5,000 Tickets Issued to Aggressive Drivers," Nov. 13).
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "I was shocked to read" to express surprise or disbelief, especially when reacting to news or information encountered in writing. Follow it with the specific detail that caused the shock for maximum impact.
Common error
Avoid starting multiple sentences or paragraphs with "I was shocked to read". Vary your sentence structure and be specific about what exactly you found shocking. Instead of just stating your shock, elaborate on why you felt that way.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I was shocked to read" functions as a declarative statement expressing the speaker's or writer's emotional reaction (shock) to information they encountered while reading. Ludwig provides numerous examples to illustrate this usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
85%
Formal & Business
8%
Science
7%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "I was shocked to read" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys surprise or disbelief upon reading something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples from various reliable sources, mostly from News & Media. While versatile, it's best used with specific details about the shocking information and should be varied with alternatives to avoid repetition. The phrase serves to express emotional reaction and set the stage for further details, fitting a neutral register applicable across different contexts.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I was astonished to read
Replaces "shocked" with "astonished", suggesting a slightly milder surprise.
I was taken aback to read
Uses "taken aback" to convey a sense of surprise and slight confusion.
It shocked me to read
Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the shocking content rather than the reader's reaction.
I was stunned to find out through reading
Replace "shocked" with "stunned", suggesting a stronger reaction and focusing on the act of discovering through reading.
I was surprised to learn by reading
Shifts the focus to learning something unexpected through reading.
I couldn't believe it when I read
Emphasizes disbelief more strongly than simple shock.
I found it shocking when I read
Highlights the shocking nature of the information discovered through reading.
I was disturbed to read
Conveys a sense of unease or concern in addition to surprise.
I was dismayed to read
Indicates disappointment and discouragement upon reading something.
To my surprise, I read
Introduces a surprising piece of information encountered while reading.
FAQs
What does "I was shocked to read" mean?
It means that the speaker or writer experienced surprise, disbelief, or dismay upon encountering certain information while reading. It's often used to introduce a surprising or upsetting fact.
How can I use "I was shocked to read" in a sentence?
You can use it to express your reaction to something you've read, for instance: "I was shocked to read about the increase in unemployment rates."
What are some alternatives to "I was shocked to read"?
Alternatives include "I was astonished to read", "I was surprised to learn by reading", or "I couldn't believe it when I read", depending on the nuance you want to convey.
Is "I was shocked to read" formal or informal?
It's generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's most common in news and media, according to Ludwig.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested