but shockingly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but shockingly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a surprising or unexpected statement that contrasts with what has been previously mentioned. Example: "The results of the experiment were promising, but shockingly, they contradicted our initial hypothesis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

The condition is incredibly prevalent but shockingly little is known about the biology.

Stanford University

The Jets were up, 21-6, at halftime, but shockingly, the Browns won the game.

The New York Times

But shockingly, the Parks Department said no, claiming they planned to make the center completely virtual.

The New York Times

The child seemed evidently engaged, but shockingly small — the size of an 8-month-old, Dr. Aronson's measurements confirmed.

The New York Times

But shockingly, many do – some believe the lying rim of the milk, the blackening skin of a banana.

Independent

But shockingly, divorcees' kids in Sweden have seen no improvements in their relative educational attainment and psychological wellbeing.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The notion that saturated fats are detrimental to our health is deeply embedded in our Zeitgeist--but shockingly, the opposite just might be true.

Huffington Post

But then, shockingly, it reverted to the original alternating sequence.

Harvard University

That sounds disgusting, but was shockingly delicious and has given me an unforgettable taste memory.

Independent

It's sublimely funny and unabashedly juvenile but also shockingly highbrow.

The Guardian - Books

But then — shockingly, ignominiously, and yet, in 2013, somewhat predictably — Federer lost in straight sets to Tommy Robredo.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but shockingly" to introduce a statement that sharply contrasts with the preceding information, creating emphasis and surprise for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "but shockingly" excessively, as it can lose its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Consider using it sparingly to highlight genuinely surprising or unexpected information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but shockingly" functions as a conjunction phrase that introduces a contrasting element with a sense of surprise. It connects two opposing ideas, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the second statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but shockingly" is a conjunction phrase used to introduce a surprising contrast. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, especially in news and media. While effective for emphasizing the unexpected, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid sounding melodramatic. For more formal settings, alternatives like "nevertheless surprisingly" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

yet surprisingly

Replaces "shockingly" with "surprisingly", softening the intensity of the surprise.

though astonishingly

Uses "though" instead of "but" and "astonishingly" in place of "shockingly", offering a slightly elevated register.

however unexpectedly

Substitutes "but" with "however" and "shockingly" with "unexpectedly", providing a more formal tone.

yet unexpectedly

Combines "yet" to express contrast with "unexpectedly", which softens the surprise.

while surprisingly

Employs "while" to introduce the contrasting element, making the surprise a bit less pronounced.

nevertheless surprisingly

Provides a formal alternative using "nevertheless" to introduce the unexpected element, using "surprisingly".

in contrast surprisingly

Replaces "but" with "in contrast", emphasizing the opposition, and uses "surprisingly".

conversely surprisingly

Similar to 'in contrast', this alternative highlights opposition, and uses "surprisingly".

on the other hand astonishingly

Offers a balanced contrast, replacing "but" with "on the other hand", combined with "astonishingly".

even so unexpectedly

Uses "even so" to introduce a contrasting idea in a slightly more subdued way, combined with "unexpectedly".

FAQs

How can I use "but shockingly" in a sentence?

Use "but shockingly" to introduce a surprising or unexpected twist to a statement. For example, "The company's profits were up, "but shockingly", employee morale had plummeted."

What are some alternatives to "but shockingly"?

Alternatives include "yet surprisingly", "however unexpectedly", or "though astonishingly", depending on the context and desired tone.

Is it always appropriate to use "but shockingly" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "but shockingly" might be too informal for certain academic or business contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "nevertheless surprisingly" for a more professional tone.

What is the difference between "but surprisingly" and "but shockingly"?

"But surprisingly" indicates a mild sense of unexpectedness, while "but shockingly" suggests a greater level of astonishment or disbelief. The choice depends on the degree of surprise you wish to convey.