elicit gasps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "elicit gasps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation or event that provokes a strong reaction of surprise or astonishment from an audience. Example: "The magician's final trick was so astonishing that it managed to elicit gasps from everyone in the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Still, Cutler hopes to elicit gasps at her choice.

The New Yorker

The spectacular handbrake turns and top-spin returns of phrase elicit "gasps of continually renewed surprise".

The Guardian - Books

The blood would elicit gasps in any other part of town.

Independent

It's a moment that never fails to elicit gasps of admiration as well as disbelieving laughter from the audience.

The Guardian - Film

The video is not as enticing as the sculptures, which generally elicit gasps of admiration from viewers.

The New York Times

Its title, intended to elicit gasps and sighs of relief, provides the last line of Act 1.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

It elicits gasps every time.

The New York Times

The splashdown elicits gasps and squeals.

The New York Times - Travel

Another room, which is dedicated to the Sun King, elicited gasps from visitors.

The New York Times - Arts

She wears it well: her barbed celeb-gossip comedy elicits gasps and laughs in equal measure.

The Guardian

The thunderous crack of the ball off Cabrera's bat elicited gasps from the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "elicit gasps" when you want to emphasize a strong, often involuntary reaction of surprise, shock, or awe from an audience or observer.

Common error

Avoid using "elicit gasps" to describe minor surprises or predictable outcomes. Save it for situations where the reaction is genuinely significant and noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elicit gasps" functions as a verb phrase where 'elicit' is a transitive verb meaning to evoke or draw out, and 'gasps' is a noun representing the sudden intake of breath, often due to surprise or shock. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Arts

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "elicit gasps" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes causing a sudden intake of breath, usually due to surprise or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in News & Media sources. When writing, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely evoke strong reactions. Consider alternatives like "provoke gasps" or "trigger gasps" for similar, yet subtly different meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoke gasps

Emphasizes causing or initiating the gasps, similar to "elicit gasps" but with a stronger sense of direct causation.

cause gasps

A straightforward alternative indicating a direct causal relationship between the action and the gasps.

trigger gasps

Suggests a more immediate and automatic reaction, implying the gasps are a direct consequence of the trigger.

draw gasps

Focuses on attracting or pulling gasps from an audience, highlighting the compelling nature of the action.

produce gasps

Similar to "generate gasps", but with a focus on the output or result of the action.

generate gasps

Implies the creation or production of gasps, focusing on the action's ability to bring them into existence.

evoke gasps

Highlights the act of summoning or calling forth gasps, emphasizing a subtler form of influence.

create gasps

Emphasizes the act of bringing gasps into being, highlighting the innovative or original nature of the action.

inspire gasps

Suggests a more profound or emotionally charged reaction, where the gasps are a result of inspiration or awe.

solicit gasps

Implies a deliberate attempt to obtain gasps, suggesting a calculated or manipulative intent.

FAQs

How can I use "elicit gasps" in a sentence?

Use "elicit gasps" to describe something that causes people to react with surprise or astonishment. For example, "The magician's illusion was so convincing that it "elicited gasps" from the audience".

What can I say instead of "elicit gasps"?

You can use alternatives like "provoke gasps", "trigger gasps", or "draw gasps" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "elicit a gasp" instead of "elicit gasps"?

While grammatically correct, "elicit a gasp" suggests a singular reaction from a single person. "Elicit gasps" implies a collective reaction from multiple people, which is often the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "elicit gasps" and "elicit applause"?

"Elicit gasps" suggests a reaction of surprise, shock, or awe, while "elicit applause" indicates a reaction of approval or admiration. The former is often involuntary, whereas the latter is typically a conscious expression of appreciation.