a wave of shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a wave of shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and overwhelming feeling of surprise or disbelief experienced by a group of people. Example: "When the news broke, there was a wave of shock that swept through the audience, leaving everyone speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Newham council's bid to ship hundreds of housing benefit recipients out of London was met with a wave of shock and "moral outrage" last month.

The Guardian

Bias's death unleashed a wave of shock and horror that swept over the university athletic department, trapped a score of lives in its wake, dashed hopes of a Celtics dynasty and changed the public perception of casual drug use.

The New York Times - Arts

But the hate crime against Hande Kader has created a wave of shock and awareness even in parts of society that have hitherto turned a blind eye to the struggles of trans individuals.

The Guardian - Opinion

After the unarmed black teenager Brown was shot by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri last August, the St Louis suburb was hit by a wave of shock, escalating protests and civil unrest.

The Guardian - Books

Their deaths sent a wave of shock and devastation reverberating through the city after Board of Supervisors President Dianne Feinstein announced their deaths on the steps of City Hall.

Independent

His first appearance as a coal-black African lord caused a wave of shock; his makeup took nearly three hours to apply, and included gentian violet on the inside of his mouth, a pinkish coloring on his palms and the soles of his feet, and drops in his eyes to increase the white sheen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Across the country this holiday season, recession-minded book buyers are suffering a wave of sticker shock.

The New York Times

Everything changed in 1995, when a wave of sticker shock prompted Mercedes-Benz and the Ford Motor Company to offer attractive discount-leasing plans, hoping to persuade buyers to concentrate on low monthly payments instead of on high sticker prices.

The New York Times

With the winners riding a wave of excitement, shock and alcohol, the very best things said at the Oscars were most likely not aired on television.

Huffington Post

Sputnik created a huge wave of shock and paranoia in the United States.

Huffington Post

In 2008, South Africa saw a wave of xenophobic violence which shocked the nation and shook up the world's view of the "rainbow nation".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wave of shock", ensure the context clearly indicates the event or news that caused the shock. Providing specific details enhances the impact and clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid vague references to the source of the shock. Clearly specify what triggered the "wave of shock" to prevent ambiguity and maintain the reader's engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wave of shock" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and widespread feeling of surprise, disbelief, or dismay in response to an event or news. Ludwig AI validates its common usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wave of shock" is a grammatically sound and contextually appropriate phrase used to describe a sudden and widespread feeling of surprise, disbelief, or dismay. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. While not extremely frequent, it effectively conveys the emotional impact of an event. Remember to clearly link the phrase to the specific cause of the shock to avoid ambiguity and maximize its impact. Alternatives such as "a surge of disbelief" or "stunned silence" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a surge of disbelief

Emphasizes the incredulity felt, rather than the initial surprise.

widespread disbelief

Simpler construction, focusing solely on the lack of belief.

a ripple of astonishment

Replaces "shock" with "astonishment", focusing on surprise rather than negativity; less intense.

a tidal wave of consternation

Emphasizes the intensity and overwhelming nature of the anxiety and dismay.

a gasp of surprise

Focuses on the immediate reaction of surprise, a more visceral response.

stunned silence

Highlights the quiet stillness resulting from shock rather than the feeling itself.

a tremor of apprehension

Shifts the focus to anxiety and worry stemming from an event, replacing "shock" with "apprehension".

an outbreak of consternation

Suggests a widespread feeling of anxiety or dismay.

a collective shudder

Implies a reaction of disgust or revulsion shared by a group.

collective outrage

Conveys anger and indignation, altering focus from surprise to moral disapproval.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a wave of shock" in a sentence?

To use "a wave of shock" effectively, clearly link it to the event or news that caused the widespread surprise or disbelief. For example, "The announcement of the company's bankruptcy sent "a wave of shock" through the employees."

What are some alternatives to "a wave of shock" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a surge of disbelief", "stunned silence", or "widespread disbelief".

Is it grammatically correct to say "a wave of shock"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in news and media to describe a widespread feeling of surprise or disbelief.

In what situations is "a wave of shock" most appropriate?

The phrase "a wave of shock" is most appropriate when describing a sudden, widespread reaction of surprise or disbelief to unexpected or negative news. It is often used in journalistic and descriptive writing to convey the impact of an event on a group of people.