an absolutely shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an absolutely shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is extremely surprising or disturbing. Example: "The news of the scandal was an absolutely shocking revelation to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

It's an absolutely shocking story.

The Guardian

It was an absolutely shocking, dramatic event for everybody.

The Guardian - Sport

Especially given the current economic challenges the EU faces, it is an absolutely shocking waste of resources.

The Guardian - Business

Whether that linesman ever gets a game again is not for me to decide, but it was a travesty, an absolutely shocking decision".

The New York Times - Sports

The main source of Murray's anger was what he described as "an absolutely shocking call" in the first game of the fourth set.

The Guardian - Sport

Steve Evans, Rotherham's manager, described the dismissal after Bowery clashed with George Friend on the half-hour as "an absolutely shocking, awful, woeful, disgraceful, abject decision", which left the Millers with little hope.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It was a shocking decision, absolutely shocking.

The Guardian - Sport

She said: "It's shocking, absolutely shocking.

The Guardian

That comment Alan Sugar made about tearing up the CV of a woman was absolutely shocking.

The Guardian

A white Christian station comes up and I hear a song that is absolutely shocking.

Huffington Post

"The apathy within the game in Wales to do anything about it is shocking, it's absolutely shocking.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an absolutely shocking" to express strong disapproval or disbelief. Ensure the context aligns with the intensity of the phrase. This phrase adds emphasis to your negative reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "an absolutely shocking" for trivial matters. The phrase is strong and should be reserved for genuinely serious or surprising events to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an absolutely shocking" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to express a high degree of surprise, dismay, or disapproval. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing events, decisions, or situations deemed extremely negative.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Sport

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an absolutely shocking" is used to convey strong disapproval or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and suggests it's appropriate for situations that warrant a strong reaction. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it can be used across different registers, provided the context aligns with the intensity of the expression. Alternatives such as "utterly appalling" and "completely outrageous" offer similar ways to express dismay. Remember to reserve this powerful phrase for truly serious or surprising events to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downright shocking

A more direct and blunt way of expressing surprise and disapproval.

utterly appalling

Emphasizes the repulsiveness or disgust associated with the shocking event.

genuinely appalling

Highlights the genuine and profound nature of the shocking event.

completely outrageous

Highlights the unacceptability and offensiveness of the situation.

exceptionally disturbing

Focuses on the troubling and unsettling nature of the event.

totally scandalous

Focuses on the disreputable and morally questionable nature of the event.

absolutely disgraceful

Stresses the shameful and unacceptable behavior or situation.

remarkably dreadful

Emphasizes the extreme unpleasantness and awfulness of the event.

truly horrifying

Emphasizes the terrifying and dreadful aspects of the shocking event.

simply unbelievable

Highlights the difficulty in accepting the reality of the shocking event.

FAQs

How can I use "an absolutely shocking" in a sentence?

Use "an absolutely shocking" to describe something extremely surprising or appalling. For example, "The details of the scandal were "an absolutely shocking" revelation."

What are some alternatives to "an absolutely shocking"?

You can use phrases like "utterly appalling", "completely outrageous", or "totally scandalous" to convey a similar sense of strong disapproval or surprise.

When is it appropriate to use "an absolutely shocking"?

It's appropriate to use "an absolutely shocking" when describing events or situations that elicit a strong negative reaction due to their surprising, disturbing, or appalling nature. Avoid using it for minor or trivial matters.

Is "absolutely shocking" formal or informal?

"Absolutely shocking" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but its impact is strongest when reserved for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong expression of surprise or disapproval.