be startled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be startled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the experience of being surprised or shocked by something unexpected. Example: "When the loud noise erupted, I couldn't help but be startled by the sudden commotion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I guarantee you will be startled.

The Guardian - Tech

I was waiting to be startled by Mr. Brokaw.

The New York Times

We can be startled by its boldness today; we know what its effect was in 1871.

The New Yorker

He rattled the chain as he opened the lock, so that she wouldn't be startled.

The New Yorker

Ghulam Rasool came up from the garden, coughing so that she would not be startled.

The New Yorker

Looking at "Jaws" now you might be startled by how simple, even primitive, it is.

The New York Times

"I would be startled if, for example, a particular character became the main character," she said.

The New York Times

"The guy appeared to be startled, and saw it was Mantle," Mr. Costas said.

The New York Times

People want to taste something new, but they don't want to be startled".

The New York Times - Food

Others, however, eschew this moralising tone and are prepared to be startled.

The Guardian - Arts

Like a deliberate slap in the face to male voters, who mustn't be startled.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid startling someone, especially in sensitive situations, provide a verbal cue before making physical contact or entering their personal space.

Common error

Avoid using "be startled" when a gentler term like "be surprised" is more fitting. Overusing "be startled" can create unnecessary drama or anxiety in your writing. Consider the emotional tone you want to convey and choose your words accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be startled" is as a passive verb phrase. It describes the state of being affected by something sudden or unexpected that causes alarm or surprise. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be startled" is a grammatically correct and very common verb phrase used to describe the experience of sudden surprise or alarm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile and appears in various contexts, from news reports to encyclopedias and scientific articles. While it has a neutral register, writers should be mindful of the emotional tone and avoid overusing it when a milder term like "be surprised" is more appropriate. It is worth noting that its closest alternatives are "be surprised", "be shocked", or "be taken aback".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be surprised

Represents a milder form of unexpectedness, lacking the element of shock or fear.

be taken aback

Implies a momentary pause or hesitation due to surprise, suggesting a slight disorientation.

be shocked

Denotes a strong emotional response to something unexpected, often with negative implications.

be alarmed

Highlights a sense of danger or worry caused by a sudden realization or event.

be frightened

Focuses on the fear response, indicating a more intense and negative reaction.

jump out of one's skin

An idiomatic expression that means to react with extreme surprise and fear, often due to a sudden noise or movement.

receive a jolt

Suggests a sudden and impactful surprise, often with physical or emotional reverberations.

be caught off guard

Indicates a lack of preparedness for something unexpected, resulting in surprise.

experience a surprise

A general term for encountering something unexpected, without specifying the emotional intensity.

find it startling

Expresses a personal judgment that something is surprising or alarming.

FAQs

What does "be startled" mean?

The phrase "be startled" means to experience a sudden feeling of surprise, alarm, or shock, often as a reaction to something unexpected.

When is it appropriate to use "be startled" in writing?

Use "be startled" when describing a reaction that involves a degree of surprise and alarm, not just mild surprise. For example, you might "be startled" by a loud noise or a sudden movement.

What can I say instead of "be startled"?

You can use alternatives like "be surprised", "be shocked", or "be taken aback", depending on the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is "being startled" grammatically correct?

Yes, "being startled" is the present participle form and can be used in continuous tenses or as a gerund. For example: "The cat was being startled by the sudden noise."