go into shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go into shock" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in medical or psychological contexts to describe a state of extreme emotional or physical distress. Example: "After receiving the unexpected news, she seemed to go into shock, unable to process what had just happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Some go into shock.

The New Yorker

You go into shock," said Ian Rigby.

The Guardian

People would look and go into shock.

The New York Times

You go into shock," Ian Rigby told ITV News.

The Guardian

"They're afraid she's going to go into shock.

The New York Times

She could crash at any time: lose blood pressure, go into shock, and die.

The New Yorker

Your body will go into shock, so you must keep breathing".

The Guardian - Travel

"I thought I was going to go into shock," said Mrs. Montesanto.

The New York Times

I started to go into shock and lay down under a tree.

The Guardian

Speaking with trepidation of her impending graduation, she said: "I'm going to go into shock.

The New York Times

They sweat profusely and go into shock because their blood vessels leak and their blood pressure drops.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In emotional contexts, use "go into shock" to convey a state of disbelief, numbness, or paralysis in response to overwhelming news or events.

Common error

Avoid using "go into shock" to describe mild surprise or slight disappointment. Shock implies a severe psychological or physiological reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go into shock" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a sudden and often critical physiological or psychological state. It describes the action of transitioning into a state of shock, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go into shock" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a sudden and severe physiological or psychological reaction. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to indicate a transition into a state of shock, whether due to trauma, illness, or overwhelming circumstances. While versatile enough for both medical and general contexts, it's important to use it accurately, reserving it for situations that truly warrant the description of a critical reaction. Frequenly found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall into shock

Implies a similar sudden transition into a state of shock, but with a slightly different verb.

enter a state of shock

More formal and clinical way to describe the same phenomenon.

suffer shock

Focuses on the experience of enduring shock.

experience shock

Similar to 'suffer shock', highlighting the personal encounter with shock.

be traumatized

Focuses on the psychological impact and lasting effects of a shocking event.

be overwhelmed

Describes a state of being overpowered by emotions or events, leading to shock.

become unresponsive

Describes a physical reaction to shock, focusing on the lack of response.

lose consciousness

A possible consequence of shock, indicating a loss of awareness.

collapse

Describes a physical failure, often associated with shock.

freeze up

Describes emotional or mental paralysis as a reaction to extreme stress.

FAQs

How is "go into shock" typically used in medical contexts?

In medical contexts, "go into shock" describes a critical condition where the body's organs aren't receiving enough blood or oxygen. This can be caused by trauma, severe illness, or allergic reactions.

What are some alternatives to "go into shock" when describing an emotional reaction?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "be traumatized", "be overwhelmed", or "freeze up" to describe an emotional reaction. These options may better capture the specific nuance of the situation.

Is it grammatically correct to say "went into shock" instead of "go into shock"?

Yes, "went into shock" is the past tense form of "go into shock" and is grammatically correct when describing a past event.

Can animals "go into shock"?

Yes, animals can also "go into shock" due to trauma, blood loss, allergic reactions, or other medical conditions. Recognizing the signs of shock in animals is crucial for prompt veterinary care.