cause a shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause a shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an event or action that surprises or disturbs someone significantly. Example: "The sudden announcement of the company's closure caused a shock among the employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Its poor performance helped cause a shock profit warning in early February.

The Guardian - Business

Lugging heavy objects, he later learned, can cause a shock to the legs and aggravate deep-vein thrombosis.

The New York Times

Mach reflection results in the shock propagating forward to cause a shock detachment at the cowl lip.

Aerospace Science and Technology

A change would cause a shock, but on reflection investors might actually welcome a more realistic approach.

The New York Times

And boss Steve Evans felt his side had to score first if they were going to cause a shock.

Independent

Will that cause a shock to whale musical culture, like when African music changed America by bringing in the blues?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Anaphylactic reactions cause a shock-like collapse of the circulatory system and are not so much an external (skin) reaction as an internal one.

WikiHow

Watford caused a shock by picking up their first win of the season at Reading.

The Guardian - Sport

Whatever the reason, the sharp rise in retail sales announced this week caused a shock.

The Economist

That shot had caused a shock two years before at St Andrews.

Independent

The asteroid's disintegration caused a shock wave that shattered windows and caused hundreds of injuries and major property damage.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cause a shock" in writing, consider the intensity of the surprise or disturbance you want to convey. Choose a synonym if a more subtle or dramatic effect is desired.

Common error

While "cause a shock" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone less professional. Opt for more precise verbs like "disrupt", "surprise", or "astonish" to maintain a sophisticated style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause a shock" functions as a verb phrase, where "cause" is the verb and "a shock" is the object. It describes the action of bringing about a sudden and often unsettling surprise or disturbance, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cause a shock" is a commonly used verb phrase to describe something that creates a sudden and often disturbing surprise. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, appearing frequently in news, science, and general contexts. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, consider alternatives like "create a surprise" or "generate a jolt" for varied emphasis and formality. Be mindful of overuse in strictly formal contexts, opting for more precise terms when necessary. Remember that using "cause a shock" effectively involves considering the intensity and impact you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate a jolt

Emphasizes a sudden and abrupt disturbance.

trigger a tremor

Suggests a less intense and more subtle form of disturbance.

create a surprise

Focuses on the element of unexpectedness rather than the disruptive impact.

spark a reaction

Highlights the resulting response or action triggered by the initial event.

induce astonishment

Emphasizes the feeling of great surprise and wonder.

provoke disbelief

Focuses on the incredulity or skepticism resulting from the event.

set off alarm bells

Implies a warning or concern triggered by the event.

stir consternation

Highlights feelings of anxiety or dismay.

precipitate turmoil

Focuses on the chaotic or disruptive consequences.

unleash pandemonium

Emphasizes widespread chaos and disorder.

FAQs

How can I use "cause a shock" in a sentence?

You can use "cause a shock" to describe something that unexpectedly surprises or disturbs someone. For example, "The company's sudden announcement caused a shock among its employees."

What can I say instead of "cause a shock"?

You can use alternatives like "create a surprise", "generate a jolt", or "spark a reaction" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "cause a surprise" or "cause a shock"?

"Cause a surprise" is generally less intense than "cause a shock". "Cause a shock" implies a greater level of disturbance or negative impact.

Can "cause a shock" be used in both positive and negative situations?

While it's typically used in negative or unsettling situations, "cause a shock" can be used in positive contexts if the surprise is significant and unexpected. For example, "Her unexpected win caused a shock of delight among her supporters."