expressed shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expressed shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone's reaction to surprising or unexpected news or events. Example: "After hearing the news of the sudden resignation, she expressed shock at the decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Many alumnae expressed shock.

The New York Times

She took expressed shock.

The Guardian - Film

United States equestrian officials expressed shock.

The New York Times - Sports

European diplomats in attendance expressed shock.

The New York Times

Victims' relatives expressed shock at the verdicts.

The Guardian

Mr. Smith expressed shock at Nixon's statement.

The New York Times

Colleagues and residents expressed shock over the killing.

The New York Times

Teachers' union leaders expressed shock at the resignation.

The New York Times

Most expressed shock at the little girl's death.

The New York Times

Australians expressed shock and disbelief at the death of Saldanha.

The Guardian

Several expressed shock on Tuesday after learning of his death.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expressed shock" when you want to clearly and directly state that someone reacted with surprise and often dismay to something unexpected. It's a neutral and easily understood phrase, suitable for reporting and descriptive writing.

Common error

While "expressed shock" is clear, it can sound bland in creative writing. Consider using more evocative language to describe the character's reaction, such as "her eyes widened in disbelief" or "a gasp escaped his lips". This adds depth and engagement for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expressed shock" serves as a declarative statement indicating that an individual or a group has outwardly communicated their feeling of surprise and dismay. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is often used in news reporting and descriptive writing to convey a direct reaction to an unexpected or disturbing event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expressed shock" is a commonly used phrase, particularly within news and media, to clearly convey a reaction of surprise and often dismay to an event. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing styles. While effective, creative writing might benefit from more descriptive alternatives. The phrase functions to inform about emotional responses, maintains a neutral register, and its high frequency makes it a reliable choice for straightforward communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

conveyed astonishment

Replaces "expressed shock" with a more formal term for surprise.

showed disbelief

Focuses on the incredulous aspect of the reaction.

voiced astonishment

Replaces "expressed" with "voiced" indicating verbal expression of shock.

registered surprise

Implies a more subtle or observable reaction.

reacted with disbelief

Highlights the reaction component of the phrase.

were taken aback

Suggests a sudden and surprised reaction.

were astonished

A more direct statement of surprise, omitting the expression.

conveyed their surprise

Focuses on conveying a feeling of astonishment.

betrayed surprise

Indicates an involuntary or unintentional display of shock.

exhibited surprise

Focuses on exhibiting a certain type of reaction, namely surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "expressed shock" in a sentence?

You can use "expressed shock" to describe someone's reaction to surprising or disturbing news. For example: "The community "expressed shock" at the sudden closure of the factory".

What is a more formal alternative to "expressed shock"?

A more formal alternative to "expressed shock" could be "conveyed astonishment". This phrasing is suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is it always appropriate to use "expressed shock" when someone is surprised?

While "expressed shock" is generally acceptable, consider the intensity of the surprise. For milder surprise, phrases like "expressed surprise" or "registered surprise" might be more fitting.

What's the difference between "expressed shock" and "expressed outrage"?

"Expressed shock" indicates surprise and often dismay, while "expressed outrage" indicates a strong feeling of anger and indignation. The choice depends on the specific emotional reaction you want to convey.