i am aghast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am aghast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express one's being overwhelmed with amazement, horror, or surprise. Example Sentence: When I heard that my neighbor had been robbed, I was aghast.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I am aghast.

The Guardian

"I am aghast at this," said Andrew Sullivan, a writer and the former editor of The New Republic and blogger for The Daily Beast.

The New York Times

I don't own much stock, but I am aghast as I watch Wall Street continue its free fall.

The New York Times

I do what I do.' And he once said 'as an Englishman, I am aghast at emotional intensity'.

The Guardian - Film

("Once again I am aghast at how little my daughter knows me, at what a desert her imagination must be").

The New York Times - Books

As a Jewish student, Labour voter and someone who identifies with progressive politics, I am aghast at the direction Oxford's student left has taken.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"I was aghast.

The New York Times - Arts

Jill and I were aghast.

The New Yorker

"I was aghast at myself".

The New York Times

"I was aghast," Ms. Kelly said.

The New York Times

"I was aghast," she said by phone on Monday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "i am aghast" to express a strong, immediate reaction of shock or dismay, particularly when encountering something unexpected or disturbing. Reserve it for situations where the emotional impact is significant.

Common error

Avoid using "i am aghast" in everyday, trivial situations. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your language sound overly dramatic or insincere. Choose less intense alternatives for minor disappointments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i am aghast" functions as an expression of strong emotion, specifically conveying shock, dismay, or horror. It is used to indicate a significant negative reaction to a surprising or disturbing event. Ludwig provides examples of its use in journalistic and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "i am aghast" is a potent expression used to convey a significant level of shock, horror, or dismay. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective, it is important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong emotional response. Alternatives like "i am appalled" or "i am horrified" can offer similar nuances, but the key is to align the intensity of the language with the gravity of the situation. Understanding the formality and potential for overuse ensures that the phrase maintains its impact when employed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i am appalled

Strong negative reaction, possibly moral outrage. Appalled focuses on a sense of disgust and shock.

i am horrified

Indicates a higher level of fear and shock compared to aghast. Horror implies a greater intensity of emotion.

i am dismayed

Implies disappointment and discouragement. Less intense than "aghast", focusing on a loss of hope or enthusiasm.

i am shocked

General expression of surprise and disbelief. Shocked is a more common and less formal alternative.

i am stunned

Suggests a state of near speechlessness due to surprise. Stunned implies a temporary inability to react.

i am taken aback

Expresses surprise and mild offense. Taken aback suggests a feeling of being caught off guard.

i am dumbfounded

Suggests complete bewilderment and confusion. Dumbfounded implies a loss of words due to astonishment.

i can't believe it

A common expression of disbelief, often used in informal contexts. Less formal than "aghast" and more conversational.

i'm at a loss for words

Indicates an inability to speak due to strong emotion. Focuses on the speaker's inability to articulate their feelings.

i never expected that

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event, leading to surprise and disbelief. Emphasizes the lack of anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "i am aghast" in a sentence?

You can use "i am aghast" to express strong feelings of shock, horror, or surprise. For example, "I am aghast at the level of pollution in our city" or "I am aghast by the news of the scandal".

What can I say instead of "i am aghast"?

You can use alternatives like "i am appalled", "i am horrified", or "i am dismayed" depending on the context.

Is "i am aghast" formal or informal?

"I am aghast" is considered more formal and expresses a heightened sense of shock or dismay compared to more casual phrases like "I'm shocked" or "I can't believe it".

What's the difference between "i am aghast" and "i am surprised"?

"I am surprised" indicates a general feeling of astonishment. "I am aghast" implies a stronger emotional response, often involving shock, horror, or profound dismay. It suggests a more negative or disturbing event.