become astonished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become astonished" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a verb phrase, meaning to become surprised or amazed by something. Example sentence: When I heard the news, I became astonished at how quickly events had unfolded.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Thus, a man or woman could become "astonished and amazed" with fright.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You may already suspect, in broad detail, the reasons why the narrator should so vehemently refuse to be a father, but the particular reasons, revealed towards the end of this short but punishing book, are astonishing, even if you have by then become prepared for being astonished.

The Guardian - Books

Indeed, the speed with which human gene therapy has become medical reality has astonished all involved.

The New York Times

"My sister Nancy would be astonished that I became a writer, too, she'd think it daft," she said.

The New York Times

The poor had no moral duty to work, he argued: it was for officials to design a system that demonstrably rewarded work.Jump to 2010 and Beveridge would be astonished at what became of his welfare state.

The Economist

More than half a million copies were sold in America alone; she became a celebrity, leaving audiences astonished that this pretty, smiling girl could tell such tales of horror.

The Economist

In some of these statements, students were astonished that they became so emotionally tired from clinical experiences.

BMC Medical Education

"I'm astonished that the Home Office has become so politicised that they're actually advertising 'another 10 arrested'.

The Guardian

I was astonished: Suddenly that bright light became a place that one could visit.

The New York Times

I was astonished by it, and since then have become more and more fascinated by and passionate about his music.

The Guardian - Music

I was astonished at how dilapidated the system has become: the platforms filthy; the walls crumbling; the carriages old and dirty.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional intensity you want to convey. Alternatives like "be stunned" or "be amazed" might be more appropriate depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "become astonished" in very casual or informal settings. Simpler expressions like "be surprised" or "be amazed" often sound more natural in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become astonished" functions as a verb phrase indicating a transition into a state of surprise or amazement. It shows a process of realizing something unexpected or remarkable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become astonished" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that conveys a transition into a state of surprise or amazement. According to Ludwig AI, it's perfectly acceptable in written English. While alternatives like "be surprised" or "be amazed" exist, "become astonished" emphasizes the process of realizing something unexpected and is suitable for diverse contexts, including news, scientific articles, and general writing. While versatile, using simpler alternatives in informal contexts can enhance naturalness. Its function is to express surprise, and it maintains a neutral register. Its usability is high, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be amazed

This alternative suggests a higher degree of wonder and delight.

be surprised

This alternative is a more general term for experiencing an unexpected event.

be stunned

This alternative suggests a feeling of being overwhelmed by surprise.

find oneself astonished

This alternative has a more reflective and internal quality.

be taken aback

This alternative indicates a brief moment of shock or confusion.

be dumbfounded

This alternative conveys a state of speechlessness due to astonishment.

be flabbergasted

This alternative is a more emphatic term for being astonished.

be shocked

This alternative implies a negative or unsettling surprise.

grow amazed

This alternative suggests a gradual increase in amazement.

be awestruck

This alternative indicates a feeling of reverence and wonder.

FAQs

How can I use "become astonished" in a sentence?

You can use "become astonished" to describe someone's reaction to surprising news or an unexpected event. For example, "I "became astonished" when I heard the news."

What's the difference between "become astonished" and "be surprised"?

"Become astonished" suggests a stronger sense of wonder or amazement than "be surprised". "Be surprised" is a more general term for experiencing something unexpected.

What are some alternatives to "become astonished"?

Alternatives include "be amazed", "be stunned", or "be taken aback", depending on the context and the level of surprise you want to convey.

Is "become astonished" formal or informal?

"Become astonished" leans towards a more formal register but is suitable for both writing and speech. In very casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be preferred.