cry of shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cry of shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an exclamation or vocal expression made in response to something surprising or unexpected. Example: "When she heard the news, her immediate reaction was a cry of shock that echoed through the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But judging by that healthy cry of shock at the curtain, few in the audience connected the dots.

The New York Times

We just watch "Sophie's Choice" in our homes once a month and sing praise together in a collective cry of shock and awe and devotion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Kingsley Amis suggests taking Underberg bitters, a highly alcoholic digestive: "The resulting mild convulsions and cries of shock are well worth witnessing.

The New Yorker

Alternatively, we could lament Al and Tipper Gore's divorce, which has produced so many cries of shock you'd think they were the toy bride and groom atop a wedding cake rather than actual flesh-and-blood people capable of free will.

The New York Times

Recent high profile cases of child sex abuse - whether by fallen celebrities, in care homes or by criminal gangs - have unanimously been met with cries of shock and outrage.

Independent

There were cries of shock from the crowd as his new gadget landed on the ground.

BBC

Hope, Steven and their companions realize immediately that something has gone wrong, and their cheers are replaced by cries of shock, horror and disbelief.

Huffington Post

I cry out of shock at the normality of their demise.

The Guardian - Film

It's also the first game in ages to elicit a cry of genuine shock from yours truly the first time a face-hugger came surging towards the screen … Game reviewed on PC and Xbox 360.

The Guardian - Tech

Where are the cries of rate shock?

The New York Times

"A lot of crying, a lot of shock".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cry of shock" to vividly describe a sudden, vocal reaction to unexpected or disturbing news or events. It's especially effective in narrative writing to convey immediate emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "cry of shock" for mild surprise or simple disagreement. This phrase implies a strong emotional response, so ensure it matches the gravity of the situation you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cry of shock" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of vocal reaction. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cry of shock" describes a vocal response to a sudden, unexpected, and often disturbing event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, fitting various narrative and descriptive contexts. Analysis of usage patterns shows it appears most frequently in news and media, and it is crucial to consider the intensity of the phrase, reserving it for situations where the emotional impact is genuinely significant. While adaptable, substituting with related phrases such as "gasp of surprise" or "outcry of alarm" may sometimes be more precise depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gasp of surprise

Expresses a sudden intake of breath, often indicating mild surprise or astonishment, less intense than shock.

outcry of alarm

Indicates a vocal expression of fear or concern, often in response to a perceived threat or danger, emphasizing the element of fear.

exclamation of disbelief

Highlights the lack of belief or acceptance of something, emphasizing the cognitive aspect of shock.

yelp of fright

Conveys a sudden, sharp cry in response to sudden fear or surprise, emphasizing the suddenness and fear.

shriek of horror

Implies a high-pitched scream expressing extreme fear or disgust, highlighting the intensity of the emotion.

sound of astonishment

A general term for any sound indicating surprise or wonder, less specific than a "cry of shock".

murmur of disbelief

Suggests a quiet expression of doubt or lack of acceptance, a more subdued reaction compared to a cry.

collective gasp

Describes a simultaneous intake of breath by a group of people, indicating shared surprise or shock.

collective groan

Suggests a simultaneous low sound by a group of people, indicating shared frustration, pain, or disappointment.

stunned silence

Indicates a complete absence of sound due to shock or disbelief, a non-vocal response.

FAQs

How can I use "cry of shock" in a sentence?

You can use "cry of shock" to describe someone's immediate reaction to surprising or disturbing news. For example: "Her announcement was met with a "cry of shock" from the audience."

What is a good alternative to "cry of shock"?

Alternatives to "cry of shock" include "gasp of surprise", "outcry of alarm", or "exclamation of disbelief", depending on the specific emotion and context you want to convey.

Is "cry of shock" too dramatic for formal writing?

While "cry of shock" can be used in formal writing, consider the tone and audience. In some cases, a more subdued phrase like "stunned silence" or "sound of astonishment" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "cry of shock" and "cry of outrage"?

"Cry of shock" indicates surprise and disbelief, while "cry of outrage" expresses anger and indignation. The best choice depends on the primary emotion being conveyed.