completely dumbfounded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "completely dumbfounded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a state of being utterly astonished or shocked by something unexpected. Example: "When she revealed the surprise party, I was completely dumbfounded and couldn't find the words to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I was completely dumbfounded.

The New York Times

"I was completely dumbfounded at what was taking place.

The New York Times

"I was completely dumbfounded when I first saw Bruce's pictures," he remembers.

The New York Times

"I was completely dumbfounded when the coach gave me the sign," Müller said afterward.

The New York Times - Sports

She fought back after being a goal down, equalised, and then took the lead, leaving the world's record crowd of nearly 200,000 Brazilian fans completely dumbfounded and bewildered.

The Guardian - Sport

I was in the pub on Saturday talking to some non-gamer friends about the controversy, I explained the Xbox One restrictions to them and they were completely dumbfounded about why anyone would buy it.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"We were just totally dumbfounded".

The Guardian - Tech

Acosta was dumbfounded.

The Washington Post

They were dumbfounded.

The New Yorker

He called it "dumbfounded".

The New York Times - Magazine

He looked dumbfounded.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely dumbfounded" to express a strong sense of shock or surprise, particularly when someone is rendered speechless or unable to react immediately. It's effective in both narrative and descriptive contexts.

Common error

While "completely dumbfounded" is acceptable, it may come across as too informal in academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like "utterly astonished" or "profoundly surprised" for a more formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely dumbfounded" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a subject to indicate a state of extreme surprise or bewilderment. Ludwig shows multiple examples where it describes someone's reaction to unexpected events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely dumbfounded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase that aptly describes a state of extreme surprise or bewilderment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is often found in news and media contexts, but its informality means it should be used judiciously in more formal writing. Consider synonyms like "utterly astonished" or "profoundly surprised" for academic or professional settings. Ultimately, while "completely dumbfounded" is effective in conveying a strong emotional reaction, choosing the most appropriate language depends on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utterly astonished

Replaces 'dumbfounded' with 'astonished' and 'completely' with 'utterly', emphasizing a high degree of surprise.

totally shocked

Substitutes 'dumbfounded' with 'shocked' and 'completely' with 'totally', highlighting the feeling of being surprised negatively.

absolutely amazed

Replaces 'dumbfounded' with 'amazed' and 'completely' with 'absolutely', focusing on a positive sense of wonder.

entirely bewildered

Uses 'bewildered' instead of 'dumbfounded' and 'entirely' for 'completely', stressing confusion and disorientation.

completely flabbergasted

Employs 'flabbergasted' which conveys astonishment and surprise, similar to dumbfounded.

taken aback

Uses an idiom indicating surprise and mild shock, different in structure but similar in effect.

at a loss for words

Describes the inability to speak due to surprise, rather than directly stating the feeling of dumbfoundedness.

speechless with surprise

Emphasizes the inability to speak due to being surprised, highlighting muteness.

in utter disbelief

Focuses on the lack of belief caused by the surprising event, rather than the emotional state.

stunned into silence

Highlights the silencing effect of being stunned, offering a more dramatic and descriptive alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "completely dumbfounded" in a sentence?

You can use "completely dumbfounded" to describe a state of extreme surprise or shock. For example, "I was "completely dumbfounded" when I heard the news" or "The audience was "completely dumbfounded" by the unexpected plot twist".

What are some alternatives to "completely dumbfounded"?

Alternatives include "utterly astonished", "totally shocked", "absolutely amazed", or "entirely bewildered". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "completely dumbfounded" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "completely dumbfounded" might be perceived as informal in some formal contexts. Consider more elevated vocabulary like "utterly astonished" or "profoundly surprised" for academic papers or business reports.

What's the difference between "completely dumbfounded" and "slightly surprised"?

"Completely dumbfounded" indicates a state of extreme shock and bewilderment, where someone is rendered speechless or unable to react normally. "Slightly surprised", on the other hand, implies a mild and less intense reaction to something unexpected.