feel startled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel startled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the sensation of surprise or shock in response to an unexpected event or situation. Example: "When the loud noise suddenly erupted, I couldn't help but feel startled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"Huh – says the lady with @nakedvix as her Twitter name," one said when I brought this up, definitively refuting my right to feel startled and aggrieved.

Independent

The woken person could feel startled or vulnerable, and then grow angry as the reality of the call's interruption reached his conscious mind.

The New Yorker

I will always feel startled by the depth of this love.

Huffington Post

Most people just bark "Name?!" to scrawl on the side of the cup, and for some reason I always feel startled, hesitant, and almost reluctant to share it with them.

Huffington Post

Due to sensory differences, autistic people can feel startled and upset by unexpected touch.

WikiHow

They might feel startled by the school bell because it is so loud, or they may want to take off their jeans before the end of the day.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Initially one feels startled by how little he resembles Nixon but his acting overcomes the lack of physical resemblance.

Huffington Post

I felt startled, not only by the horror of witnessing the willful extermination of black life, but also by the fact that it took several days for the story to traverse the Atlantic and reach my consciousness here in France, where I am completing a book on French racism and collective memory.

Huffington Post

Three other SRQ items were broadly comparable to ASCL items: SRQ4, "frightened easily" and ASCL14, "felt startled"; SRQ6, "nervous, tense, worried" and ASCL17, "experienced asabi"; and SRQ8, "trouble thinking clearly" and both ASCL23, "trouble concentrating" and ASCL16, "thinking too much".

BMC Psychiatry

Inflated beard: When a lizard wants to show dominance, or feels startled or threatened - this particularly happens during breeding season - it puffs its throat out.

WikiHow

For example, if you are going to help them handle a school bell, then talk to them about how you'll help train their brain to feel less startled by it.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feel startled" to describe a sudden, often involuntary, reaction to something unexpected. It's appropriate when the surprise is more than just a mild surprise; it has a physical or emotional impact.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, avoid overusing "feel startled" if a more precise word better describes the reaction. Words like "surprised", "astonished", or "taken aback" might be more suitable depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel startled" functions as a verb phrase where "feel" acts as a linking verb connecting the subject to the adjective "startled", describing a state of being. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing a sudden emotional or physical reaction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

29%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feel startled" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a sudden sensation of surprise or alarm. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts, although it's more common in news and media than in formal or academic writing. While "feel surprised" is a close synonym, "feel startled" often implies a more intense or physical reaction. When using this phrase, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more precise term might be appropriate. Keep in mind that overuse in a very formal register might be perceived as inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel surprised

Replaces "startled" with a more general term for unexpectedness.

feel a sudden shock

Highlights the abrupt and unexpected nature of the experience.

feel shocked

Emphasizes the intensity of the surprise, suggesting a greater emotional impact.

feel a surge of surprise

Focuses on the rush of emotion accompanying the surprise.

feel taken aback

Indicates a momentary pause or hesitation due to surprise.

be caught off guard

Emphasizes the unpreparedness when feeling startled.

feel alarmed

Implies a sense of danger or concern in addition to surprise.

feel suddenly anxious

Shifts the emphasis to the anxiety that can result from being startled.

experience a jolt

Uses a more physical metaphor to describe the feeling of surprise.

jump out of one's skin

A more figurative expression of being startled

FAQs

How can I use "feel startled" in a sentence?

You can use "feel startled" to describe experiencing a sudden surprise. For example, "I "feel startled" when the loud noise suddenly erupted."

What is a more formal alternative to "feel startled"?

In more formal contexts, consider using "feel astonished", "feel surprised", or "feel taken aback" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "feel startled" instead of "feel surprised"?

"Feel startled" suggests a more intense and often involuntary reaction compared to "feel surprised". Use "feel startled" when the surprise has a physical or emotional impact.

Can "feel startled" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "feel startled" can be used in academic writing, but ensure it aligns with the tone and precision required. Choose the most accurate and appropriate term for the specific context, and other alternatives could be more fitting.