as shocking as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as shocking as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to compare the level of shock or surprise between two different subjects or situations. Example: "The news of the scandal was as shocking as the sudden resignation of the CEO."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's as shocking as anything else it seems to me.

Yale University

"It wasn't as shocking as it could've been.

The New York Times - Sports

It is as shocking as it is bewildering.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their end had been as shocking as it was devastating.

The Guardian - Sport

Little of this is as shocking as Eco seems to suppose it is.

The New Yorker

For the young Kyril, this was as shocking as the violence itself.

Independent

The Abu Ghraib pictures themselves remain as shocking as when the news broke.

The Economist

A few leaps forward by Ms. Hullihan seem as shocking as a reversal of gravity.

The New York Times - Arts

Meanwhile, the comparison with Homebase's stablemate Argos is almost as shocking as that against B&Q.

Independent

For many of us that would be as shocking as all those revelations.

Independent

Nothing about Wanda, though, is as shocking as the news that she delivers to her niece.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as shocking as" to draw a comparison between two events or pieces of information, emphasizing that they evoke a similar level of surprise or disbelief. Ensure that the comparison is clear and relevant to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as shocking as" excessively in sensationalized or clickbait-style writing. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing appear less credible. Use it sparingly to highlight truly surprising or unexpected information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as shocking as" functions as a comparative intensifier, used to equate the level of surprise or astonishment between two subjects. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as shocking as" is a versatile comparative intensifier commonly used to highlight the magnitude of surprise or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While authoritative sources frequently employ it to draw comparisons and emphasize unexpected events, writers should avoid overuse to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "equally shocking" or "just as shocking" to diversify your writing and maintain impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally shocking

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the equality in shock value.

just as shocking

Similar to 'equally shocking', but with a slightly more informal tone.

equally surprising

Replaces 'shocking' with 'surprising', softening the intensity of the reaction.

just as surprising

Similar to 'equally surprising', but maintains a slightly informal tone.

as startling as

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the surprise.

as astonishing as

Highlights the incredulity and wonder associated with the event.

as alarming as

Focuses on the potential danger or concern caused by the shocking event.

as disturbing as

Emphasizes the unsettling or disquieting nature of the shocking event.

as appalling as

Intensifies the negative reaction, suggesting moral outrage or disgust.

as outrageous as

Highlights the unacceptable or offensive nature of the event.

FAQs

How can I use "as shocking as" in a sentence?

Use "as shocking as" to compare two surprising or unexpected things. For instance, "The plot twist was "as shocking as" the sudden ending of the series."

What are some alternatives to "as shocking as"?

You can use alternatives such as "equally shocking", "just as shocking", or "equally surprising" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "as shocking as" or "equally shocking as"?

Both "as shocking as" and "equally shocking" are grammatically correct. "Equally shocking" emphasizes the equivalence more directly, while "as shocking as" is a more common construction.

What's the difference between "as shocking as" and "as surprising as"?

"As shocking as" implies a stronger sense of disbelief or outrage, while "as surprising as" simply indicates something unexpected. The choice depends on the intensity of the reaction you want to convey.