absolutely startled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely startled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong reaction of surprise or shock in various contexts. Example: "When she walked into the room unannounced, I was absolutely startled by her sudden appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It wasn't there before!' We were absolutely startled".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was startled and a tad shaken, but I gradually came to see that he was absolutely right".

The New York Times - Arts

"Apologies if we startled you during the successful intercept this afternoon - we only go supersonic over land when absolutely necessary".

The Guardian

Hepburn startled.

The New Yorker

The noise startled us.

The New Yorker

"Oh," she said, startled.

The New Yorker

Then something startled me.

The New York Times

Horses are easily startled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The medic was startled.

The New Yorker

Sudden gunfire startled them.

The New Yorker

He seemed startled.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely startled" to convey a strong sense of surprise or shock. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the intensity of the reaction to an unexpected event.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely startled" in overly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it might sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "utterly shocked" or "completely surprised".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely startled" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject. It combines the adverb "absolutely" to intensify the adjective "startled", indicating a high degree of surprise or shock. Ludwig provides examples showing its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absolutely startled" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong feeling of surprise or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting its presence in journalistic contexts. While effective for conveying intensity, consider more formal alternatives like "utterly shocked" or "completely surprised" in professional or academic settings. This expression is not frequently used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely startled

Simple change in adverb intensity.

utterly shocked

Emphasizes the complete and total nature of the shock experienced, focusing on the emotional impact.

completely surprised

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event, focusing on the lack of anticipation.

thoroughly astonished

Suggests a high degree of wonder and amazement, emphasizing the positive aspect of surprise.

totally taken aback

Focuses on the disorienting effect of the surprise, implying a momentary loss of composure.

genuinely amazed

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the amazement, suggesting a heartfelt reaction.

deeply impressed

Suggests that one is not only surprised, but also affected in a positive way.

incredibly stunned

Focuses on the temporary inability to react or think clearly due to the intensity of the surprise.

incredibly frightened

Conveys strong feeling of alarm or fear.

greatly alarmed

This version emphasizes the feeling of anxiety.

FAQs

How can I use "absolutely startled" in a sentence?

You can use "absolutely startled" to describe a strong feeling of surprise or shock. For example: "I was "absolutely startled" when the lights suddenly went out."

What are some alternatives to "absolutely startled"?

Alternatives include "utterly shocked", "completely surprised", or "thoroughly astonished", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "absolutely startled" too informal for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "absolutely startled" might be perceived as slightly informal for some professional contexts. Consider using alternatives like "utterly shocked" or "completely surprised" for a more formal tone.

What's the difference between "absolutely startled" and "slightly startled"?

"Absolutely startled" indicates a very strong reaction of surprise or shock, whereas "slightly startled" indicates a mild or gentle surprise. The choice depends on the intensity of the feeling you want to express.