audible gasp

USAGE SUMMARY

"audible gasp" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express surprise, shock, or awe, as in the sentence, "When he revealed he had won the lottery, there was an audible gasp from the crowd."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Audible gasp.

The New York Times

After an audible gasp, there was animated applause.

The New York Times - Sports

An audible gasp swept the room at the mention of the interest rate.

The New York Times

Both times there was an audible gasp from the audience, a painful sense of "not again".

The Guardian

When Federighi announced the shared clipboard, there was an audible gasp.

The Guardian - Tech

Before the applause, there's an audible gasp of delight, the recognition of having witnessed something special.

The Guardian

Only Footfalls, with the dynamics of Dwan's dual vocal performance, manages an audible gasp.

The Guardian

I heard an audible gasp one time I screened the movie.

The New York Times

The terse ruling was met by an audible gasp, and then shouts of "Shame!

The New York Times

There was an audible gasp when I had his image up in the doctors' station.

The Guardian

Before Ms Grillo's response, there was an audible gasp of "Oh my goodness" from her defence team.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "audible gasp" to create a vivid sensory experience for the reader, allowing them to imagine the collective reaction of a group to a surprising or shocking event. This can be especially effective in setting the tone or highlighting the impact of a revelation.

Common error

Avoid using "audible gasp" to describe reactions to mildly surprising events. The phrase implies a significant level of shock or astonishment, so reserve it for situations where the reaction is genuinely strong. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "audible gasp" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a collective or individual reaction, indicating a moment of surprise, shock, or awe, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "audible gasp" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a noticeable intake of breath, usually indicating surprise, shock, or awe. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, predominantly within news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to reserve it for situations where a genuine sense of surprise or shock is intended to avoid diluting its impact. Alternative phrases like "sharp intake of breath" or "collective intake of breath" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gasp of surprise

Directly replaces "audible" with "surprise" specifying the emotion behind the gasp.

noticeable gasp

Replaces 'audible' with a synonym that keeps the meaning of easy to be heard and perceived.

sharp intake of breath

Focuses on the suddenness and audibility of the breath, highlighting a physical reaction to surprise or shock.

collective intake of breath

This phrase suggests a synchronized reaction from a group, similar to an audible gasp but focusing on the breathing aspect.

sound of disbelief

Captures the auditory reaction indicating incredulity, less specific than a gasp.

cry of shock

Replaces the quiet intake of air with a loud vocal outburst, changing the intensity of the reaction.

murmur of astonishment

This describes a low, indistinct sound indicating surprise or amazement, differing from the more abrupt nature of a gasp.

hushed silence

Indicates a sudden quietness, often following a shocking or surprising event, implying a collective reaction.

stunned silence

Highlights the quietness resulting from being shocked or overwhelmed, different from a vocal reaction.

audible reaction

This is a more general term for any noticeable response, not specifically a gasp.

FAQs

How can I use "audible gasp" in a sentence?

You can use "audible gasp" to describe a strong reaction of surprise or shock. For example: "When the verdict was announced, there was an "audible gasp" from the courtroom."

What's the difference between "audible gasp" and "gasp of surprise"?

While similar, "audible gasp" focuses on the sound, emphasizing that the gasp was heard by others. "Gasp of surprise" emphasizes the emotion behind the gasp. They are highly interchangeable, as pointed out by Ludwig.

What can I say instead of "audible gasp"?

You can use alternatives like "sharp intake of breath", "collective intake of breath" or "sound of disbelief" depending on the context.

Is "audible gasp" formal or informal?

"Audible gasp" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in news and media than in academic writing. Ludwig provides examples across a range of registers.