expression of astonishment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expression of astonishment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a reaction or feeling of surprise or disbelief in response to something unexpected. Example: "Her face was an expression of astonishment when she saw the surprise party we had organized for her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It is like an expression of astonishment.

The Guardian - Arts

A final charcoal line, dark black, was placed just at the corner of the lips and gives this head an expression of astonishment or surprise.

The New Yorker

A generalised expression of astonishment, "'Struth!" started out as an oath: "God's truth!" Certainly, there is an impersonal, almost omniscient quality to the truth conveyed by Struth's best photographs, among them a series devoted to "Places of Worship" in which the camera exults in its ability to capture what he calls "monumental emotional packages of overwhelming experience".

The Guardian - Arts

At the top of my own inventory I would include the silent cooking of an omelette at daybreak that concludes Big Night (1996); the expression of astonishment on the face of the supercilious restaurant critic as he takes his first bite of the title dish in Ratatouille (2007); and the ecstatic ingestion of an entire meal by a gathering of nuns in Babette's Feast (1987).

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

MPs are now well-practised in histrionic expressions of astonishment and disbelief.

The Guardian

Those dusty faces, their uniform expressions of astonishment, were what I thought of when I saw Kattekoppen.

The New Yorker

On Friday there were expressions of astonishment and outrage from numerous groups about Ohio's use of the new drug protocol.

The Guardian

Just then Mike fell, with a look of astonishment on his face.

Independent

It was a shared look of astonishment.

The Guardian

Hairy is given to expressions of simple astonishment: "Holy smoke!" and "What the hell is goin' on here?".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Manavalan was a short, stocky man with what seemed to be a permanent expression of good-humored astonishment on his face.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing feelings, choose the most impactful expression considering the context. Instead of "expression of astonishment", you may consider "look of surprise" or "utter amazement" to better emphasize the intensity of the feeling.

Common error

Avoid using "expression of astonishment" excessively in formal or business writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound melodramatic. Opt for more nuanced and professional language to convey surprise or disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of astonishment" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a visible or outwardly manifested feeling of surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expression of astonishment" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that effectively describes a reaction of surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity in English writing. While versatile, it's most commonly found in News & Media contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider "look of surprise" or "utter amazement" to fine-tune the intensity of the sentiment you want to convey. Be mindful of overuse in highly formal settings to maintain a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look of surprise

Focuses on the visual manifestation of astonishment.

utter amazement

Intensifies the feeling of astonishment to a higher degree.

air of incredulity

Highlights the disbelief aspect of astonishment.

eyes wide with wonder

Captures the visual expression of astonishment and awe.

sudden shock

Emphasizes the abrupt and startling nature of the surprise.

jaw-dropping surprise

Uses a more figurative expression to convey extreme astonishment.

expression of bewilderment

Highlights the confusion aspect of astonishment.

gasp of surprise

Focuses on the audible reaction to astonishment.

moment of revelation

Emphasizes the sudden understanding or realization accompanying astonishment.

state of awe

Focuses on the feeling of reverence and wonder.

FAQs

How can I use "expression of astonishment" in a sentence?

You can use "expression of astonishment" to describe someone's reaction to something surprising. For example, "Her face held an expression of astonishment when she learned she had won the lottery".

What can I say instead of "expression of astonishment"?

You can use alternatives such as "look of surprise", "utter amazement", or "air of incredulity" depending on the context.

Is "expression of astonishment" formal or informal?

The phrase "expression of astonishment" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although in highly formal situations, a more nuanced description might be preferable.

What's the difference between "expression of astonishment" and "expression of surprise"?

While similar, "expression of astonishment" suggests a greater degree of wonder or disbelief than a simple "expression of surprise". Astonishment implies a more profound reaction to something unexpected.