a deep shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a deep shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong emotional response to an unexpected or distressing event. Example: "The news of the accident left the entire community in a state of deep shock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Labour's defeat in the last Scottish parliament elections in 2007 came as a deep shock to the party.

The Guardian

The attack on Mr. Westergaard in Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, situated on the Baltic coast of the Jutland peninsula, came as a deep shock to Danes.

The New York Times

His victory in New Hampshire has come as a deep shock to the Republican powers-that-be, who have staked everything on Mr Bush.

The Economist

Togo and FC Nantes forward Thomas Dossevi "We are in a deep shock following the tragic incident that happened to our Togolese brothers and friends.

The Guardian - Sport

For those of us who paid only casual attention, his abasement — he has been dropped by Nike and other sponsors and has stepped down as chairman of LiveStrong — came as a deep shock.

The New York Times

The oboist Nicholas Daniel said: "John Tavener wrote three great works for me, and as I count myself fortunate to call him my friend the news of his death today has come as a deep shock and with terrible sadness.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

While the decade-long use of the euro has helped insulate the countries from a deeper shock, some European economists have nonetheless begun speaking of 2009 as a lost year.

The New York Times

"We are in a state of deep shock.

The New York Times

But what united every survivor who spoke out today about yesterday's pre-dawn assault by Israeli commandos on the pro-Palestinian aid flotilla to Gaza, was a sense of deep shock at the speed, aggression and lethal force of the Israeli response to what they reiterated was nothing more than a humanitarian aid effort.

The Guardian

But I am sure that her reporting on her own mental life during a period of deep shock and sorrow, which is what The Year of Magical Thinking is, deserves to be treated every bit as seriously as anything she has ever written about crime, politics or culture.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is in a state of deep shock after his house on the outskirts of Osh was burnt down on Saturday.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a deep shock", consider the context and choose a synonym if you want to convey a more specific emotional nuance, such as surprise, dismay, or disbelief.

Common error

While "a deep shock" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using more descriptive synonyms, such as "profound surprise" or "considerable disturbance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a deep shock" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object or complement of a verb. It describes a state of intense emotional reaction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a deep shock" is a versatile phrase used to describe a strong emotional reaction, primarily in response to negative or unexpected events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, especially in news and media contexts. While suitable for various registers, consider synonyms like "profound surprise" or "considerable disturbance" for a more specific or formal tone. Understanding the nuances of "a deep shock" will help you communicate effectively and choose the most appropriate language for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a profound surprise

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event.

a massive surprise

Emphasizes the scale of the surprise.

a great dismay

Highlights the feeling of disappointment and distress.

a total disbelief

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

an utter disbelief

Focuses on the inability to accept the reality of a situation.

a considerable disturbance

Focuses on the disruption caused by the event.

a significant jolt

Implies a sudden and impactful event.

a complete astonishment

Implies a thorough and overwhelming feeling of amazement.

a terrible jolt

Highlights that the shock was very intense

an extreme astonishment

Stresses the high degree of surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "a deep shock" in a sentence?

You can use "a deep shock" to describe a strong emotional reaction to an unexpected or distressing event. For example, "The news of the company's bankruptcy was "a deep shock" to its employees."

What phrases are similar to "a deep shock"?

Alternatives include "a profound shock", "a great surprise", or "a considerable disturbance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a deep shock" formal or informal?

"A deep shock" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "a profound shock" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

Can "a deep shock" be used to describe positive events?

While it's typically used for negative or distressing events, "a deep shock" can occasionally describe overwhelming surprise or disbelief in response to a positive event, although this usage is less common. A phrase like "a pleasant surprise" might be more appropriate.