as shocking as it is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as shocking as it is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the surprising or unexpected nature of a situation or statement. Example: "As shocking as it is, the results of the experiment were completely contrary to our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"As shocking as it is, it is not as if people didn't know.

The Guardian

Araki's work is as shocking as it is full of life.

The Guardian

"The difference in levels of lending immediately pre and post financial crisis is as shocking as it is dramatic.

The Guardian - Business

As shocking as it is to find such right-wing opinions expressed in the Guardian, I stand by this.

The Guardian

"President Obama's decision to reject the Keystone XL crude oil pipeline is as shocking as it is revealing," Mr. Romney said.

The New York Times

As shocking as it is to hear about specific crimes, it's just as shocking to hear how methodically those crimes were covered up.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Their end had been as shocking as it was devastating.

The Guardian - Sport

It's not as shocking as it's been made out to be.

The New Yorker

That's why Wilmore's use of it was as shocking as it was disrespectful".

The Guardian

His fall from grace was as shocking as it was sad.

The Guardian - Sport

"Once you get used to hearing it on Sirius, it's not as shocking as it was when you heard him on terrestrial radio and they'd be bleeping him out," he says.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as shocking as it is" to introduce a surprising fact or situation that contrasts with a preceding statement or expectation. This adds emphasis and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as shocking as it is" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler expressions like "surprisingly" or "unbelievably" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as shocking as it is" functions as a concessive conjunction phrase. It introduces a statement that, while surprising or disturbing, does not negate the validity of the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase precedes unexpected or contradictory information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Opinion

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Film

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as shocking as it is" serves as a concessive conjunction, commonly used to introduce a surprising or unexpected fact. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for neutral to slightly formal writing, where its emphatic nature can be most effective. Alternatives like "surprisingly enough" or "believe it or not" may be more suitable for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

though it may seem unbelievable

Explicitly acknowledges the potential for incredulity.

it defies belief

Indicates that the situation is so shocking it is hard to accept.

surprisingly enough

Changes the structure to an adverbial phrase emphasizing the surprising element.

it's hard to believe but

Directly states the difficulty in accepting the reality.

believe it or not

Emphasizes potential disbelief from the listener or reader.

to my surprise

Shifts the focus to the speaker's personal reaction of astonishment.

unexpectedly

Simplifies the phrase to a single adverb, focusing on the lack of anticipation.

oddly enough

Highlights the strangeness or peculiarity of the situation.

unbelievably

Focuses on the lack of credibility of the event or fact.

incredibly

Condenses the phrase to a single adverb expressing the magnitude of surprise.

FAQs

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

You can use "as shocking as it is" to introduce a fact that contrasts with a preceding statement. For example: "The news was devastating; as shocking as it is, we need to remain calm."

What phrases are similar to "as shocking as it is"?

Similar phrases include "surprisingly enough", "believe it or not", or "oddly enough".

When is it appropriate to use "as shocking as it is"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the unexpected or surprising nature of something, often in contrast to a previous statement or common belief.

Is "as shocking as it is" formal or informal?

While generally acceptable in a variety of contexts, "as shocking as it is" leans toward a neutral to slightly formal register. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing to ensure the tone is appropriate. In very informal settings, you might opt for simpler expressions.