a stunned expression

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stunned expression" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's facial reaction when they are shocked or surprised by something. Example: "When she heard the news, she turned to me with a stunned expression, unable to find the words to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Sara wears a stunned expression, as though she has just discovered a shoe in her soup.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A stunned expression reveals that your host expected the use of utensils.

The New Yorker

Husna went to the back of the room and sat down as far away as possible from K.K.'s old wife, who was telling the rosary, a stunned expression on her face.

The New Yorker

But Hudson-Smith doused out the threat of the Fireman, as Brown is known, the 19-year-old somehow edging his large frame over the line for gold, a stunned expression on his face as he did so.

Independent

So there he was last year at the Kennedy Center with a gaudy ribbon around his neck and, on his face, a stunned expression of embarrassment and pride (and his fellow-honoree Herbie Hancock, the piano man's piano man, at his elbow) as a series of singers performed incongruous renditions of some of his hits.

The New Yorker

A stunned expression washed over Kerby's face.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Greeting every experience — his father's funeral, a pile of severed hands, an abused girl (Ravshana Kurkova) — with a single, stunned expression, he questions not only his faith but also the utility of morality.

The New York Times

Then he sat back, a stunned look on his face.

The New York Times

The quest by Mr. Herrera, a dark-haired carpenter whose stunned expression reveals only some of the pain he is experiencing, poses profound questions.

The New York Times

This year, if you'd prefer to get a stunned gleeful expression instead of the usual "you really shouldn't have," I'd suggest the affordably priced iPhone 4. I don't want to sound like some Apple evangelist or anything, but there are plenty of closeted fanbois out there just waiting for the right excuse to go buy an iPhone.

TechCrunch

At one point, craving company of any description, she bares her bosom to a fourteen-year-old boy, who assumes the taut, stunned expression of someone who has been given the biggest toy in the store but no instruction manual.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a stunned expression" to effectively communicate a character's immediate reaction to shocking or unexpected news in narrative writing. It's a concise way to convey surprise, disbelief, or confusion.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on descriptions like "a stunned expression" to convey character reactions in dialogue. Vary your descriptions with actions, internal thoughts, and other non-verbal cues to create a more dynamic and engaging scene.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stunned expression" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It characterizes a person's facial appearance as indicative of being shocked, surprised, or bewildered. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to convey immediate reactions to unexpected events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stunned expression" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's reaction to shock or surprise. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts and effectively conveys a character's immediate emotional state in narrative writing. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider more precise alternatives in formal writing. Related phrases, like "a shocked look" or "a bewildered gaze", offer nuanced ways to describe similar reactions. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shocked look

Focuses more directly on the element of surprise and disbelief.

a look of disbelief

Directly conveys the inability to accept something as true.

a bewildered gaze

Emphasizes confusion and uncertainty in addition to surprise.

an astonished face

Highlights extreme surprise and wonder.

a shocked countenance

Conveys a sense of shock and dismay.

an incredulous expression

Shows skepticism and doubt, mixed with surprise.

a surprised visage

A more formal way of saying "a surprised face."

a dumbfounded appearance

Implies speechlessness and being at a loss for words.

a flabbergasted reaction

Indicates overwhelming shock and surprise.

a taken-aback countenance

Suggests being caught off guard and slightly offended or surprised.

FAQs

How can I use "a stunned expression" in a sentence?

You can use "a stunned expression" to describe someone's reaction to surprising or shocking news. For example: "She had "a stunned expression" when she heard she won the lottery."

What are some alternatives to "a stunned expression"?

Alternatives include "a shocked look", "a bewildered gaze", or "an astonished face", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "a stunned expression" imply about a character's emotional state?

"A stunned expression" typically implies that the character is experiencing shock, surprise, and possibly disbelief or confusion. It suggests they are momentarily overwhelmed by what they have just witnessed or learned.

Is it appropriate to use "a stunned expression" in formal writing?

While "a stunned expression" is generally acceptable in most contexts, in formal writing, you might consider more precise or nuanced alternatives depending on the specific tone and purpose. Options like "a look of disbelief" or "an incredulous expression" might be more suitable.