a shocking amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shocking amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an amount of something that is especially remarkable or unexpected. For example: "The amount of money he had saved was a shocking amount of over two million dollars."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Christmas generates a shocking amount of waste.

Independent

"It was a shocking amount of money.

The Guardian

"It is a shocking amount of money," Ms Thornton said.

Independent

A shocking amount of what we're reading is created not by humans but by computer algorithms.

The New Yorker

There is a shocking amount of proper, terrorising fear during this and subsequent scenes.

The Guardian - Film

"People are spending a shocking amount of time in the multiplayer gaming world.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Odeon.co.uk Choc and awe Yes, £8.50 is a shocking amount to pay for a box of hot chocolate.

Independent

There is for instance a "truly shocking amount of roadkill".

The Guardian - Books

A recent study by The Drum showed a surprising (some might say shocking) amount of homogeneity.

The Guardian

After the shocking amount of misery Lauck has endured, it would take a heart of stone not to want to do something kind for her -- say, buy her book.

The New York Times - Books

Andy Burnham, the shadow health secretary, said the "shocking" amount of sugar in many foodstuffs was hidden from consumers, but was so great that ministers had to intervene.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shocking amount of" to underscore a surprising or unacceptable quantity, particularly when expressing concern or disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "a shocking amount of" in situations where the quantity is simply large but not necessarily negative or unexpected. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "a significant amount of" or "a large quantity of" in those cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shocking amount of" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the quantity of something is surprisingly large or unexpectedly high, often implying a negative connotation. Ludwig's examples show this phrase is commonly used to emphasize the magnitude of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shocking amount of" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or disapproval at a considerable quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective for highlighting unexpected magnitudes, it should be used judiciously to avoid overstatement in neutral situations. Consider alternatives such as "a surprisingly large quantity of" for similar effect. Be mindful of the subtle implications this phrase can have and where you use it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an alarming quantity of

Emphasizes the concerning or worrying nature of the amount.

a surprisingly large quantity of

Highlights the unexpected size or extent of something.

a disturbingly high level of

Focuses on the troubling or unsettling nature of the degree or amount.

an unexpectedly great deal of

Stresses the unforeseen abundance of something.

a remarkably considerable sum of

Implies the amount is noteworthy and substantial.

a disproportionate quantity of

Indicates that the amount is out of balance or not in proper relation to something else.

an unconscionable measure of

Suggests the amount is excessive and morally unacceptable.

a staggering volume of

Emphasizes the overwhelming and astonishing size of something.

a breathtaking quantity of

Highlights how impressive, to an overwhelming or astonishing degree, the size or extent of something is.

an egregious excess of

Indicates that the amount is conspicuously bad or offensive.

FAQs

How can I use "a shocking amount of" in a sentence?

Use "a shocking amount of" to describe a quantity that is surprisingly large, often in a negative or concerning way. For example, "There is "a shocking amount of" plastic waste in the ocean."

What are some alternatives to "a shocking amount of"?

Alternatives include "an alarming quantity of", "a surprisingly large quantity of", or "a disturbingly high level of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to use the phrase "a shocking amount of"?

While often used to express concern or disapproval, the phrase can also simply highlight surprise at a large quantity, without necessarily implying negativity. The context determines the tone.

When is it inappropriate to use "a shocking amount of"?

Avoid using it in purely neutral contexts where the quantity is simply large without being surprising or concerning. In such cases, phrases like "a significant amount of" or "a considerable quantity of" might be more appropriate.