as a jolt to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a jolt to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that serves as a sudden shock or stimulus to a person or situation. Example: "The unexpected news acted as a jolt to the entire team, prompting them to reevaluate their strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

His findings will come as a jolt to those who think the law "failed," the typical Republican assessment, or was too small and sloppy to have any effect.

The New York Times

The proposal, which Mr. Chizhov said was initiated by Mrs. Merkel, leader of the conservative Christian Democrats, came as a jolt to other nations in the bloc.

The New York Times

This separateness came as a jolt to Lee Pan Ock, a 67-year-old Hapchon man who was in Hiroshima in 1945 and returned a few years ago.

The New York Times

So it came as a jolt to discover that God's Acre (actually a half-acre) was thus designated because it began as a cemetery.

The New York Times - Travel

The change, though appealing to the broad public, would come as a jolt to many in Russia's ruling class, who are both wealthy and deeply integrated into the West.

The New York Times

Some activists speculated that their show of strength would serve as a jolt to the secular forces who helped to start the revolution but who remain divided, largely ineffectual and woefully unprepared for coming elections.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It is just as much of a jolt to realize that Madonna, at 54, is older than the actors playing the Hot Flashes.

The New York Times

Two first-half goals by Peter Thorne and Willie Bowland, and a third with only a few minutes remaining from the Cardiff substitute, Leo Fortune West, were as good a jolt to Margate fans as might be expected at the end of any decent seaside roller-coaster ride.

The Guardian - Sport

The restoration of Jewish sovereignty over Israel in 1948 came as something of a jolt to a church whose fathers condemned Jews to wander until they accepted the true Messiah.

The Economist

Yet, meditative as the show was, Miffy was a jolt to my expectations.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lovins is hoping his scrutiny of the oil industry, which will be published as a book this summer, could provide a jolt to debate about the world's energy future.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a jolt to" when you want to convey a sudden and often unexpected stimulus or shock that disrupts a situation or mindset. It's effective for highlighting turning points or moments of significant change.

Common error

Avoid using "as a jolt to" excessively in formal writing or academic papers. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound too informal. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "stimulus" or "impetus" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a jolt to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that something acts as a sudden stimulus or shock. This is confirmed by Ludwig AI which validates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a jolt to" effectively conveys a sudden stimulus or shock that causes a significant shift. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct. Its primary function is to modify a verb or noun, emphasizing the abruptness and impact of the stimulus, often in News & Media contexts. While acceptable in many settings, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the sudden and disruptive nature of the event you're describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a shock to

This alternative emphasizes the surprise or dismay caused by something unexpected, similar to "as a jolt to" but with a stronger negative connotation.

as a surprise to

This phrase highlights the unexpected nature of an event or information, lessening the intensity compared to "as a jolt to".

as a wake-up call to

This suggests that something prompts a realization or need for change, implying more awareness and action than just a "jolt".

as a stimulus to

This emphasizes the triggering of activity or growth, focusing more on the positive outcome than the initial shock.

as an impetus for

This suggests that something provides the driving force or motivation behind an action or change.

as a catalyst for

This implies that something speeds up a reaction or change, indicating a more active role than simply providing a shock.

as a prompt for

This suggests something encourages or reminds someone to do something.

as a spur to

Similar to impetus, this suggests something that encourages action or achievement.

as an incentive for

Highlights the motivational aspect, suggesting something that encourages a specific behavior or action with potential reward.

as a push for

Suggests that something gives momentum or force towards a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "as a jolt to" in a sentence?

Use "as a jolt to" to describe something that serves as a sudden shock or stimulus to a person or situation. For instance, "The unexpected news acted as a "as a jolt to" the entire team, prompting them to reevaluate their strategy."

What can I say instead of "as a jolt to"?

You can use alternatives like "as a shock to", "as a surprise to", or "as a wake-up call to" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "as a jolt to" and "as a shock to"?

"As a jolt to" implies a sudden stimulus or disturbance, while "as a shock to" emphasizes the surprise and often negative emotional impact. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the sudden change or the emotional response.

When is it appropriate to use "as a jolt to" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "as a jolt to" in writing when you want to convey a sudden and often unexpected stimulus or shock that disrupts a situation or mindset. It's effective for highlighting turning points or moments of significant change.