came as a shock

USAGE SUMMARY

"came as a shock" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that happened unexpectedly and unexpectedly. For example, "The news of her death came as a shock to the entire community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That came as a shock.

The New York Times

It came as a shock.

The Guardian

This came as a shock.

The Economist

It came as a shock to us.

The New York Times

First seeing them came as a shock.

Independent

The news came as a shock.

The Guardian

Fame came as a shock.

The Guardian - Books

This came as a shock.

The Guardian - Books

His mother's death came as a shock.

The New Yorker

Yet Oxford came as a shock.

The Guardian

His death came as a shock.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider the intensity of the surprise. If the event was mildly surprising, alternatives like "came as a surprise" might be more suitable. For more intense reactions, consider phrases like "hit like a ton of bricks".

Common error

Avoid using "came as a shock" for minor inconveniences or predictable outcomes. The phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely deviate from expectations and have a significant emotional or practical impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "came as a shock" functions as a predicate nominative or complement, linking a subject to a surprising or unexpected event or piece of information. This construction is used to express the unexpected nature of something, a fact that is supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "came as a shock" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unexpected event or realization that causes surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the level of surprise implied by "shock," and consider alternative phrases like "was completely unexpected" or "took everyone by surprise" for milder surprises. Be mindful of potential overuse and reserve it for genuinely surprising situations. Also, consider to use the alternative sentence and make your text the most varied as possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was a complete surprise

Similar to "came as a shock", but emphasizes the totality of the surprise.

was completely unexpected

Focuses on the lack of anticipation, emphasizing the surprise element.

took everyone by surprise

Highlights the widespread impact and astonishment caused.

was totally unforeseen

Stresses the complete lack of predictability of the event.

was quite startling

Emphasizes the sudden and potentially alarming nature of the event.

was rather astonishing

Highlights the incredibility and wonder associated with the event.

was deeply unsettling

Highlights the disturbing or worrying aspect of the unexpected event.

was a rude awakening

Suggests a harsh and unpleasant realization.

knocked me off my feet

Emphasizes the disorienting and destabilizing effect of the surprise.

hit like a ton of bricks

Uses a vivid metaphor to describe the force and impact of the surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "came as a shock" in a sentence?

You can use "came as a shock" to describe an unexpected event or news. For example, "The announcement of the company's closure "came as a shock" to the employees."

What are some alternatives to "came as a shock"?

Alternatives include "was completely unexpected", "took everyone by surprise", or "was a complete surprise", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to use "came as a shock"?

No, it's best reserved for situations that involve a significant level of surprise or disbelief. Using it for minor inconveniences might be an exaggeration. Consider alternatives if the surprise is minimal.

What's the difference between "came as a shock" and "came as a surprise"?

"Came as a shock" generally implies a greater degree of surprise and potential emotional impact than "came as a surprise". "Shock" suggests a more intense and potentially unsettling experience.