even more startling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "even more startling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize an increased level of surprise or shock in comparison to something previously mentioned. Example: "The first discovery was surprising, but the second one was even more startling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or perhaps even more startling is a just released GSM phone, the 7110.

Forbes

Even more startling is the regional bias.

The Guardian

The new machines produced results even more startling.

The New York Times - Science

CICIG investigators then made an even more startling discovery.

The New Yorker

But even more startling was the attack on Mr. Wagner.

The New York Times

That shocking discovery would uncover an even more startling crime.

The Washington Post

The violin interlude which follows is even more startling.

The Guardian - Music

But even more startling was how that came to light.

The New York Times - Health

In terms of jobs, the numbers are even more startling.

The New York Times

My voice is even more startling than my mother's.

The New Yorker

The evidence from volcanoes of short-term influences is even more startling.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "even more startling" to emphasize a significant increase in surprise or shock compared to a previous event or statement. It's effective when you want to highlight a particularly unexpected or noteworthy development.

Common error

Avoid using "even more startling" in contexts where a milder expression of surprise would be more appropriate. Overusing strong language can dilute its impact when genuinely surprising events occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "even more startling" functions as an intensifier followed by an adjective. It modifies a noun (implied or stated) to denote a higher degree of surprise or shock than something previously mentioned. Ludwig AI confirms that this usage aligns with standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "even more startling" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to emphasize a heightened sense of surprise or shock. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is appropriate across various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media, reflecting its role in highlighting noteworthy developments. To maximize its impact, use it to highlight something genuinely shocking or surprising, and avoid overuse in neutral contexts. Its alternatives are "still more astonishing" or "even more shocking".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

even more astonishing

Substitutes "startling" with the similar term "astonishing" without altering the core meaning or emphasis.

even more shocking

Uses "shocking" in place of "startling" to convey a sense of greater impact or disturbance.

still more astonishing

Replaces "startling" with "astonishing" and maintains the intensifying "more" to indicate a greater degree of surprise.

yet more surprising

Replaces "even" with "yet" and "startling" with "surprising" to provide a slightly different tone but similar meaning.

a far more startling revelation

Adds "revelation" to emphasize the revealing of something unexpected and uses "far" for stronger emphasis.

an even greater surprise

Transforms the phrase into a noun phrase, emphasizing the element of surprise rather than the act of startling.

even more unexpectedly

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the event, highlighting its unforeseen quality.

more surprisingly

Changes the structure to an adverbial phrase, focusing on the surprising nature of the event.

even a bigger surprise

Uses more informal language to express a heightened level of surprise.

more alarmingly

Shifts the emphasis from surprise to alarm, suggesting a more negative or concerning revelation.

FAQs

How can I use "even more startling" in a sentence?

You can use "even more startling" to describe something that is surprisingly shocking in comparison to something else. For example, "The initial results were concerning, but the follow-up study revealed findings that were "even more startling"."

What phrases are similar to "even more startling"?

Similar phrases include "even more shocking", "even more astonishing", or "still more surprising". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "even more startling" in formal writing?

Yes, "even more startling" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to emphasize the unexpected nature of a discovery or event. However, consider the tone of your piece and whether a slightly less emphatic phrase would be a better fit.

What's the difference between "even more startling" and "very surprising"?

"Even more startling" implies a greater degree of shock or surprise than "very surprising". Use "even more startling" when something is not just surprising, but also significantly unexpected or shocking.