a startling view

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startling view" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a perspective or scene that is surprising or shocking in nature. Example: "As I reached the summit, I was greeted by a startling view of the valley below, filled with vibrant colors and breathtaking landscapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

SARA FRIEDLANDER, the 27-year-old head of First Open Sale at Christie's in New York, has a startling view of American art history.

The Economist

The half-Swedish, half-English author, just 29, is sitting on a leather sofa looking out through the glass wall of his living room at a startling view of London landmarks.

The Guardian - Books

'In Russia,' Smith explains, 'readers are scornful of the errors made by non-Russian writers.' The half-Swedish, half-English author, just 29, is sitting on a leather sofa looking out through the glass wall of his living room at a startling view of London landmarks.

The Guardian - Books

Visitors will be able to use either a lift or climb a winding staircase up to the oak, stone and glass tower: the slog up the stairs will be rewarded by a startling view of the abbey's roofscape, bristling with statues and heraldic animals previously visible only to roofers and pigeons.

The Guardian

Their results offer a startling view of how pollutants alter the contents of dust clouds, with near-global impacts.

Science Magazine

(You have heard this already but still: Where did all the book editors go?) And there were certainly moments when I found myself hoping that Hines would surprise me with a startling view, or a full-throated take-down, of a well-known building.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If this is a rather startling view of Jane Austen's England, matters were no better in Scotland.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was a startling sight.

The New Yorker

That was a startling thought.

The New Yorker

Others are about a clamber, a scrabble, and then a startling, stunning view across the surrounding countryside.

The Guardian - Travel

Anyone who has seen "Chinatown" or read about L.A. and water will understand this as a startling reverse view, openly pained at the region's resource flowing south.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a startling view", ensure the context clearly establishes the reason for the surprise or shock, whether it's due to beauty, unexpectedness, or something more unsettling.

Common error

Avoid using "a startling view" as a generic intensifier. Provide specific details that explain what makes the view remarkable or unexpected, rather than relying solely on the adjective "startling".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startling view" functions as a noun phrase, where "startling" modifies the noun "view". As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase commonly describes a scene or perspective that elicits surprise or shock, whether due to its beauty, unexpectedness, or unsettling nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a startling view" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively conveys a sense of surprise or shock upon seeing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While not exceptionally common, it appears in a variety of reputable sources, primarily in the realm of News & Media. It's best practice is to ensure that the context establishes the reason for the surprise in order to avoid overuse without context. Related phrases include "an astonishing sight" and "a surprising panorama", offering nuanced alternatives to the original phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an astonishing sight

Replaces "startling" with "astonishing", emphasizing surprise and amazement.

a surprising panorama

Substitutes "startling" with "surprising" and "view" with "panorama", highlighting unexpectedness and breadth.

an unexpected vista

Replaces "startling" with "unexpected" and "view" with "vista", focusing on unforeseen beauty or grandeur.

a shocking perspective

Substitutes "startling" with "shocking" and "view" with "perspective", emphasizing the disturbing or unsettling nature of what is seen.

a breathtaking scene

Replaces "startling" with "breathtaking" and "view" with "scene", focusing on awe and wonder.

an awe-inspiring spectacle

Replaces the entire phrase with a stronger emphasis on grandeur and amazement.

a remarkable outlook

Substitutes "startling" with "remarkable" and "view" with "outlook", emphasizing the noteworthy or exceptional quality of what is seen.

an impressive spectacle

Replaces "startling" with "impressive" and "view" with "spectacle", highlighting grandeur.

a stunning panorama

Substitutes "startling" with "stunning" and "view" with "panorama", highlighting beauty.

a striking landscape

Replaces "startling" with "striking" and "view" with "landscape", emphasizing the visual impact and scenic quality.

FAQs

How can I use "a startling view" in a sentence?

You can use "a startling view" to describe a scene that evokes surprise or shock due to its beauty, unexpectedness, or unusual nature. For example, "From the cliff's edge, we were presented with "a startling view" of the coastline below".

What can I say instead of "a startling view"?

You can use alternatives like "an astonishing sight", "a surprising panorama", or "a breathtaking scene" depending on the specific context and the reason for the surprise.

Which is correct, "a startling view" or "a startling viewpoint"?

Both "a startling view" and "a startling viewpoint" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "A startling view" refers to what is seen, while "a startling viewpoint" refers to the position or perspective from which something is seen.

What's the difference between "a stunning view" and "a startling view"?

A stunning view implies great beauty or impressiveness, while "a startling view" suggests something more unexpected or even shocking, though it can also be beautiful. The key difference lies in the element of surprise or unexpectedness.