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CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I was shocked to read

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

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

The New York Times

I was shocked to read Brent Staples's glowing review of Japan's educational system.

News & Media

The New York Times

I was shocked to read the figures for HD-related suicide.

News & Media

The Guardian

I was shocked to read your comments about the bridge collapse in Minnesota.

News & Media

The New York Times

Jim O'Neil Portland, Ore .• To the Editor: I was shocked to read the nominally cute article by John Tierney.

News & Media

The New York Times

Like Thomas L. Friedman, I was shocked to read that Congress cut financing for the National Science Foundation.

News & Media

The New York Times
Show more...

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

Huffington Post

But Merrick admitted she was shocked to read the Guardian dossier.

News & Media

The Guardian

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

Huffington Post

When Grantz opened the letter, she was shocked to read the verdict: Her assailant had been found "responsible for sexual misconduct".

News & Media

Vice

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

The New York Times
Show more...

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.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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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Source & Trust

89%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: