be startled awake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be startled awake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden awakening due to a surprising or shocking event. Example: "The loud crash outside caused me to be startled awake in the middle of the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I point the microphones up the hill from our camp towards a busy rookery and drift off wearing the headphones – only to be startled awake by a penguin announcing his arrival six inches from my bivvy bag.

The Guardian - Travel

But after thinking about how pleasant and luxurious it would be to no longer be startled awake because my nightlife-loving friends in San Francisco decided to call me on their way home from the club, the idea began to sound more appealing.

The New York Times

I confess I may have snoozed through one or two climactic battles only to be startled awake by an incoming neon Frisbee".

Wikipedia

I borrowed a magnum bottle of Grey Goose from behind one of the  stages and stumbled around looking like a badass rudeboy until I eventually passed out in my cabin, only to be startled awake by a cranky Indonesian cruise staffer yelling in my face two hours later about how I had to get off the boat.

Vice

This way, they can prepare for the alarm--with earplugs, or opting to sleep somewhere else for the night--and they won't be startled awake in the morning.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It says that "to be bored is to be on the verge of being startled awake".

The New York Times

Somebody had repeatedly thrown rocks at the house the night before; she had been startled awake.

The New York Times - Magazine

After 8, I was startled awake by Jim tapping me on the knee.

The New York Times - Travel

I didn't even remember it at 3 a.m. when I was startled awake.

The New York Times - Magazine

He slid a bit lower in his chair, and some time later was startled awake by squawking gulls.

The New Yorker

Two months later, Mr. Splendore was startled awake in the wee hours by a "gigantic crash" overhead.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be startled awake" to vividly describe a sudden interruption of sleep caused by a surprising or alarming event. This phrase is effective in creating a sense of immediacy and heightened awareness in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be startled awake" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral phrase like "be suddenly awakened" might be more appropriate. Consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be startled awake" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of sudden awakening caused by a surprising or alarming stimulus. It describes the experience of being abruptly roused from sleep due to an unexpected event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for general use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be startled awake" effectively describes a sudden awakening caused by a surprising or shocking event. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in written English. While "be startled awake" is not as common as other similar phrases, it vividly conveys the experience of being abruptly roused from sleep. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, but less so for formal academic writing. Related phrases such as "be jolted awake" or "be abruptly awakened" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be jolted awake

Replaces "startled" with "jolted", indicating a more intense and abrupt awakening.

Be abruptly awakened

Uses "abruptly" to emphasize the suddenness of the awakening, removing the element of surprise or shock.

Be suddenly roused

Employs "roused" to suggest being stirred from sleep, with "suddenly" highlighting the quickness.

Be shocked awake

Replaces "startled" with "shocked", suggesting a more intense and potentially disturbing awakening.

Be awakened with a start

Rearranges the sentence structure while keeping a similar meaning, emphasizing the suddenness.

Be roused from sleep by a shock

This alternative emphasizes that the stimulus being shocking rather than surprising caused the awakening.

Wake with a jolt

Uses "jolt" as a noun, implying a physical reaction to the sudden awakening.

Snap awake

It is a more concise and informal way of saying the same, adding a sense of sudden energy.

Jump awake

Implies a more active physical reaction to being startled.

Be awakened unexpectedly

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the awakening, rather than the startled feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "be startled awake" in a sentence?

You can use "be startled awake" to describe a sudden awakening due to a surprising or shocking event. For example: "The loud noise outside caused me to "be startled awake" in the middle of the night."

What are some alternatives to "be startled awake"?

Alternatives include "be jolted awake", "be abruptly awakened", or "be suddenly roused". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "be startled awake" formal or informal?

"Be startled awake" is generally considered appropriate for both neutral and informal contexts, as shown by its use in news articles and personal narratives. However, in highly formal or academic writing, a more neutral phrase like "be suddenly awakened" may be preferred.

What's the difference between "be startled awake" and "wake up suddenly"?

"Be startled awake" implies a sense of surprise or shock accompanying the awakening, while "wake up suddenly" simply describes a rapid transition from sleep to wakefulness without necessarily involving a startling stimulus. Therefore, "be startled awake" would suggest a surprising or shocking event causing someone to "wake up suddenly".