eliciting gasps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "eliciting gasps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or action that provokes a strong reaction of surprise or awe from an audience. Example: "The magician's final trick was so astonishing that it had the entire audience eliciting gasps of disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Death," Mobley said, eliciting gasps from the courtroom, according to the Associated Press.

The Washington Post

"You're making this up," Mr. McHenry replied, eliciting gasps from the audience.

The New York Times

Once the hand fell off in a crowded restaurant, eliciting gasps from a nearby child.

The New York Times

Buy from Amazon.co.ukFAST bowlers are cricket's showmen, eliciting gasps as they hurl down deliveries capable of snapping batsmen's ribs.

The Economist

Jimmy Haslip's nimble electric bass was quickly pushed centre stage, his lyrical dexterity in the upper registers eliciting gasps of wonder from the bass-heads in the crowd.

The Guardian - Music

Hansuke Yamamoto, eliciting gasps with whip-around jumps, embodies the work's bravura, the men whipping up excitement as they whirl around the women.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It elicits gasps every time.

The New York Times

Still, Cutler hopes to elicit gasps at her choice.

The New Yorker

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

The New York Times - Arts

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

The New York Times - Sports

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

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eliciting gasps" to vividly describe a moment of surprise, shock, or awe in your writing. It's particularly effective when depicting a live performance, unexpected revelation, or dramatic event.

Common error

Avoid using "eliciting gasps" for everyday occurrences. The phrase is best reserved for truly remarkable or unexpected moments, as overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eliciting gasps" functions as a descriptive element, often part of a verb phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating the action that causes a sudden intake of breath, reflecting surprise, shock, or awe. As Ludwig AI shows, it often appears describing performances or unexpected events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Arts

19%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Sports

6%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "eliciting gasps" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe actions or events that cause a sudden intake of breath due to surprise, shock, or awe. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with applications in arts and sports writing. When using the phrase, it’s important to reserve it for truly remarkable moments to maintain its impact and avoid melodrama. Alternatives include "provoking gasps" and "drawing gasps". Understanding its context and frequency will ensure its effective use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provoking gasps

Focuses on the act of causing the gasps, similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly more active and direct connotation.

drawing gasps

Highlights the action of attracting or pulling gasps from the audience, emphasizing the captivating nature of the event.

inspiring gasps

Implies a sense of wonder or awe that leads to gasps, suggesting a more positive or impressive cause.

causing astonishment

Shifts the focus from the physical reaction (gasps) to the emotional state (astonishment), indicating a high level of surprise.

inducing surprise

Emphasizes the act of bringing about surprise, which results in gasps, but can also encompass other reactions.

creating a stir

Suggests a more general excitement or commotion, with gasps being one possible manifestation of that excitement.

raising eyebrows

Implies a reaction of mild surprise or skepticism, less intense than gasps but still indicating something noteworthy.

turning heads

Highlights the attention-grabbing nature of the event, which may or may not lead to gasps, but definitely indicates a strong reaction.

leaving people speechless

Focuses on the inability to speak as a result of shock or amazement, with gasps being a physical manifestation of that state.

generating awe

Highlights the feeling of deep respect or wonder, where gasps are a possible reaction, implying something truly remarkable.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "eliciting gasps" in a sentence?

Use "eliciting gasps" when you want to emphasize the impact of a specific action or revelation on an audience, conveying a sense of surprise, shock, or awe. For instance, "The magician's final act was so unexpected, "provoking gasps" from the entire audience".

What are some alternatives to "eliciting gasps"?

You can use alternatives like "provoking gasps", "drawing gasps", or "inspiring gasps" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "eliciting gasps of laughter"?

Yes, "eliciting gasps of laughter" is a correct and vivid way to describe a moment that causes people to audibly gasp due to amusement or surprise. It highlights the intensity of the humor or unexpectedness of the situation.

What's the difference between "eliciting gasps" and "causing a stir"?

"Eliciting gasps" specifically refers to causing a reaction of surprise or shock, while "causing a stir" is a broader term that implies generating excitement or controversy. While a gasp can contribute to a stir, the latter encompasses a wider range of reactions and situations. You may be "creating a stir", but not necessarily eliciting gasps.