astonish with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "astonish with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of surprising or impressing someone with a particular quality, action, or object. Example: "The magician was able to astonish with his incredible tricks, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

DB 11 (up 13) Peter Ackroyd, Biographer, Novelist & Psychogeographer The biographer of William Blake, London, St Thomas More and T S Eliot, and author of a host of brilliant novels continues to astonish with his prolificness and erudition.

Independent

The more you look at them, the more they astonish with their lush tones, dreamy atmosphere and metallic three-dimensionality. Appropriately, one of the first things you see is a signature image of this kind, a 1931 solarized self-portrait on loan from the Museum of Modern Art in New York, which later this month will open a major Dada exhibition.

The New York Times

If this unique channel were made available to creative people – composers, painters, writers and others in different areas of science – who are able to innovate and astonish with their ideas, it would over time come to be accepted as a leading force in our culture.

The Guardian

The mushrooming network of networks called the Internet continues to astonish, with almost cosmic implications appearing out of nowhere all the time.

Forbes

It is a testament to the genius of Samuel Beckett that after 60 years, Waiting for Godot can still astonish with its cutting-edge brilliance, even in a low-key staging like the one Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart are now starring in at the Cort Theatre.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Here he shows himself astonished, with eyes wide open.

The New York Times

Far from the Madding Crowd astonishes with its craft.

The Guardian - Books

Its star has given a performance that astonishes with each new episode.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

As for fearing death: "No, I'm astonished with each new spring.

The Guardian

Dancing with partner Giovanni Pernice in Blackpool, the pair astonished with their Chicago-themed routine to All That Jazz.

Independent

And Mr. Muñoz astonished with his timing and clarity, lunging his body through luxuriant, coiling poses that never quite settled.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "astonish with" when you want to emphasize the specific element or quality that causes surprise or wonder. For example, "The chef "astonished with" his innovative use of spices."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "astonish with" can sound slightly theatrical or overwrought in formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "impress with" or "amaze with" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "astonish with" functions as a verb phrase where "astonish" is the verb indicating surprise or amazement and "with" introduces the instrument or quality causing the astonishment. This aligns with Ludwig's affirmation that the phrase describes surprising or impressing someone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "astonish with" is a grammatically correct way to express surprising or impressing someone with a specific quality or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and understandable construction. While relatively rare in overall usage, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts. When writing, be aware that although "astonish with" is acceptable, alternatives such as "amaze with" or "impress with" may be more suitable depending on the desired tone and formality. Therefore, consider the context and choose the phrase that best conveys your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amaze with

A direct synonym, simply replacing "astonish" with "amaze" for a slightly different nuance.

astonish by means of

Rephrases the prepositional phrase while retaining the core meaning.

astound with

Similar to amaze, but implies a greater level of shock and disbelief.

impress with

Focuses more on admiration and respect rather than pure surprise.

dazzle with

Suggests a bright, showy, and often overwhelming display of something.

wow with

A more informal way to express being greatly impressed.

leave in awe with

Focuses on the resulting state of the observer, highlighting the profound impact.

surprise with

A more general term, indicating unexpectedness without necessarily implying strong admiration.

overwhelm with

Suggests an intense emotional or sensory experience, potentially positive or negative.

delight with

Emphasizes the pleasure and enjoyment caused by something surprising.

FAQs

How can I use "astonish with" in a sentence?

You can use "astonish with" to describe how someone or something surprises or impresses with a particular quality or action. For example, "The dancer "astonished with" her graceful movements."

What are some alternatives to "astonish with"?

Some alternatives to "astonish with" include "amaze with", "impress with", or "astound with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "astonish with" formal or informal?

"Astonish with" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain professional contexts. It's important to consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing when choosing the most appropriate phrase.

How does "astonish with" differ from "astonish by"?

"Astonish with" highlights the specific thing causing astonishment, while "astonish by" focuses more broadly on the action or method. For example, you might "astonish with" a particular skill or "astonish by" performing a daring feat.