generate gasps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "generate gasps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action or event that causes surprise or astonishment among an audience. Example: "The magician's final trick was so astonishing that it generated gasps from the entire audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These neat machines generate gasps of awe when you pull them out.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Tarzan," composed by Phil Collins, delivers characters swinging on vines over audiences' heads and generates gasps.

The New York Times

It generates gasps because it is a gamble and because the player has his back to the net when he strikes it.

The New York Times - Sports

During severe hypoxia the network properties within the preBötC are reconfigured, whereby it no longer generates eupnoea, but instead generates gasping.

Cough

But there is nothing to generate involuntary gasps as the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube did through the Beijing haze.

The New York Times - Sports

Horror fans love "the scariest" debates (Jason versus Freddy, "Dracula" versus "Frankenstein," drowning versus buried alive), and this night of old-fashioned shocks, inspired by the stories of Hans Christian Andersen, Nathaniel Hawthorne and others, should generate enough gasps for a good after-show argument.

The New York Times

"It always generates a gasp," says Charlotte Fionda of Skcin.

The Guardian

Medullary neuronal activities generating the gasp and the identical rhythm of the in vitro preparation are incorporated into the ponto-medullary circuit defining ventilatory activity [ 13].

Cough

On July 1, a statewide ban on the production and sale of foie gras went into effect in California, generating one collective gasp from bewildered French citizens.

The Washington Post

Farah's torrid finish was all the more remarkable in that he stumbled in the first curve of the bell lap, generating a collective gasp from the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

These ES cells were used to generate mice with a disruption of the GASP-1 gene.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "generate gasps" to describe moments in performances, presentations, or real-life events that are intended to shock, surprise, or deeply move an audience. This phrase is particularly effective when the reaction is audible and shared by many.

Common error

Avoid using "generate gasps" to describe minor surprises or reactions. This phrase is most impactful when the event or action truly warrants a strong, audible reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "generate gasps" functions as a verb phrase where "generate" is the verb and "gasps" is the direct object. As noted by Ludwig AI, it describes the action of causing or producing audible intakes of breath due to surprise or shock. It denotes the instigation of a reaction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "generate gasps" is used to describe an action or event that causes surprise, shock, or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most appropriate for describing events with a significant impact, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. The phrase appears more frequently in news and media contexts. Alternatives include "elicit gasps" and "evoke gasps". Remember to use it judiciously to maximize its impact and avoid diluting its effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

elicit gasps

Focuses on drawing out the reaction rather than creating it.

evoke gasps

Highlights the act of summoning a response from an audience.

produce gasps

Directly indicates creating the reaction.

cause gasps

Emphasizes the instigation of the reaction.

inspire gasps

Suggests a more profound or emotional cause for the reaction.

create a stir

Indicates causing excitement or shock, but less specific than gasps.

provoke astonishment

Shifts the focus to the feeling of astonishment rather than the audible gasp.

incite wonder

Highlights the inspiration of wonder, a more positive reaction than shock.

prompt amazement

Emphasizes the act of urging amazement, a stronger reaction than surprise.

trigger shock

Indicates causing a sudden, often negative, reaction of surprise.

FAQs

What does "generate gasps" mean?

The phrase "generate gasps" means to cause a sudden intake of breath, often due to surprise, shock, or awe. It describes an action or event that provokes a strong, often involuntary, reaction from an audience or individual.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "generate gasps" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "generate gasps" when describing a moment or event that elicits a strong reaction of surprise or shock. This phrase is most effective when the context suggests a significant or dramatic occurrence.

What are some alternatives to "generate gasps"?

Alternatives include "elicit gasps", "evoke gasps", or "produce gasps", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How can I avoid misusing the phrase "generate gasps"?

Avoid using "generate gasps" to describe minor or unremarkable events. The phrase carries a strong connotation of surprise or shock, so it's best reserved for situations where the reaction is truly significant.