as startling as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as startling as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to make a comparison, typically to emphasize the surprising or shocking nature of something. Example: "The news was as startling as the sudden change in weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Books

Sports

Food

Opinion

Travel

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As startling as that was, I was even more startled when he opened his mouth.

The New Yorker

The change was as startling as a card trick.

The New Yorker

Their collapse was nearly as startling as the Giants'.

The New York Times - Sports

It is as startling as it is delightful.

The New York Times - Food

What remains the same from future to future is often as startling as what's different.

The New York Times - Books

The tower is a shimmering silver needle, its delicacy as startling as its height.

The New Yorker

The occasional gunshots are as startling as a sudden crack across the kneecap.

The New Yorker

It is as startling as Ehret's brewery: It could accommodate a thousand patrons.

The New York Times - Arts

Aside from his one splendid inning, Lakman's strikeout totals were never as startling as Montgomery's.

The New York Times - Sports

While oversize, the domesticated Columbus statue is not as startling as I thought it would be.

The New York Times - Arts

On reflection, these figures are not as startling as they seem.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as startling as" to draw a comparison that emphasizes the unexpected or shocking nature of a situation. For heightened impact, follow it with an image or scenario most people find extremely shocking.

Common error

Avoid overusing "as startling as" for minor surprises. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke a strong sense of shock or disbelief; otherwise, the impact will diminish.

Linguistic Context

Grammatically, "as startling as" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe something by comparing its startling nature to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

9%

Arts

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Opinion

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as startling as" is a grammatically sound and frequently used comparative phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to emphasize the unexpected or shocking nature of something by comparing it to another startling event or entity. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral to formal register, making it appropriate for a variety of writing contexts. When employing this phrase, be mindful to reserve it for truly surprising scenarios to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as shocking as

Replaces "startling" with "shocking", emphasizing a more negative or disturbing surprise.

as surprising as

Replaces "startling" with "surprising", focusing on the unexpected nature of something.

as astonishing as

Substitutes "startling" with "astonishing", highlighting the sense of wonder and amazement.

as stunning as

Uses "stunning" instead of "startling", often implying beauty or impressiveness alongside surprise.

as remarkable as

Replaces "startling" with "remarkable", emphasizing the unusual or noteworthy quality.

as unexpected as

Focuses on the lack of anticipation, rather than the intensity of surprise.

as incredible as

Substitutes "startling" with "incredible", suggesting something hard to believe.

as breathtaking as

Replaces "startling" with "breathtaking", emphasizing the overwhelming or awe-inspiring nature.

as unimaginable as

Highlights the difficulty of conceiving or predicting something.

as unforeseen as

Emphasizes the lack of foresight or anticipation regarding an event.

FAQs

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

You can use "as startling as" to compare something to another thing that is surprising. For example, "The sudden news was "as startling as" a bolt of lightning."

What can I say instead of "as startling as"?

You can use alternatives like "as shocking as", "as surprising as", or "as astonishing as" depending on the context.

Is "as startling as" formal or informal?

"As startling as" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure it aligns with the desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "as startling as" or "equally startling"?

Both ""as startling as"" and "equally startling" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "As startling as" is used for comparison, while "equally startling" indicates a similar level of surprise without explicit comparison.