a startling statement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startling statement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that is surprising or shocking in nature. Example: "The scientist made a startling statement about the potential consequences of climate change that left the audience in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

A startling statement shocks or startles an audience into paying attention.

WikiHow

That is not a startling statement.

The Economist

This was a startling statement, coming from a scholar of constitutional law.

The New York Times

Your hook could be a question, a startling statement, an anecdote or a video.

The Guardian

He began his talk — and the paper he eventually published — with a startling statement: "C.

The New Yorker

Back when Team Sky was in utero, Sir Dave Brailsford made a startling statement of intent.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

[Note: Last week, a Defense Department official made a rather startling statement, to the effect that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would have supported America's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Huffington Post

Analysis This is a somewhat startling statement by the head of MI6 declaring that information about a plot involving violence and loss of lives may not be passed on if the country where it is taking place abuses detainees and political opponents.

Independent

On page 116 of his book Open Source Intelligence in a Networked World, Anthony Olcott offers the fascinating example of a geocentric blog that makes the startling statement "60 million Americans know that the sun revolves around the Earth," citing as its source a 1999 Gallup poll that found that 79% of Americans correctly answered that the Earth revolves around the sun.

Forbes

The startling statement from Weil, a Virginia-based judge responsible for training his peers, comes at a time when the number of young unaccompanied migrants crossing the southern border has sharply risen.

Los Angeles Times

It's not the most efficient, but it can be done". The startling statement from Weil, a Virginia-based judge responsible for training his peers, comes at a time when the number of young unaccompanied migrants crossing the southern border has sharply risen.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a startling statement" to capture the audience's attention in speeches or articles. It's effective as an opening hook or to emphasize a key point.

Common error

Avoid using "a startling statement" excessively, as it can diminish the impact and credibility of your writing. Reserve it for truly significant or unexpected information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startling statement" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig examples show its use in introducing surprising or noteworthy information. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a startling statement" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in news and media contexts. It serves to capture attention and introduce surprising or significant information. Ludwig examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian demonstrate its effective use in various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it can be adapted for professional or informal settings. Be mindful of overuse to maintain its impact. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and suggests alternatives like "an astonishing remark" or "a shocking declaration".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an astonishing remark

Replaces 'startling' with 'astonishing', emphasizing amazement.

a shocking declaration

Substitutes 'startling' with 'shocking' and 'statement' with 'declaration', highlighting the surprising and impactful nature of the statement.

a surprising announcement

Replaces 'startling' with 'surprising' and 'statement' with 'announcement', focusing on the unexpected nature of the information.

an unexpected revelation

Substitutes 'startling statement' with 'unexpected revelation', emphasizing the revealing of something previously unknown.

a remarkable assertion

Changes 'startling' to 'remarkable' and 'statement' to 'assertion', highlighting the noteworthy nature of the claim.

a stunning disclosure

Replaces 'startling' with 'stunning' and 'statement' with 'disclosure', indicating a surprising unveiling of information.

an eye-opening pronouncement

Substitutes 'startling statement' with 'eye-opening pronouncement', emphasizing the revelatory quality.

a jaw-dropping remark

Replaces 'startling' with 'jaw-dropping' and 'statement' with 'remark', conveying a sense of utter astonishment.

an earth-shattering announcement

Substitutes 'startling' with 'earth-shattering' and 'statement' with 'announcement', suggesting the information is of great importance.

a bombshell declaration

Replaces 'startling statement' with 'bombshell declaration', emphasizing the shocking and sensational nature.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a startling statement" in my writing?

Use "a startling statement" strategically at the beginning of an article or speech to immediately grab the reader's or listener's attention. Ensure the statement is relevant and credible to maintain engagement.

What are some alternatives to "a startling statement"?

You can use alternatives like "an astonishing remark", "a shocking declaration", or "a surprising announcement" depending on the context.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a startling statement"?

It's appropriate to use "a startling statement" in contexts where you want to emphasize the unexpected or surprising nature of information, such as in news articles, speeches, or academic papers.

How does "a startling statement" differ from "a surprising statement"?

While both convey unexpectedness, "a startling statement" often implies a greater degree of shock or surprise than "a surprising statement", suggesting a more significant impact or revelation.