in complete shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in complete shock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being extremely surprised or astonished, often in response to unexpected news or events. Example: "When she heard the news of her promotion, she was in complete shock and could hardly find the words to respond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Walsh, who had been with Gately at an awards ceremony last Monday, said he was "in complete shock".

The Guardian - Music

"I was in complete shock," he said.

The New York Times

Some seem to be in complete shock.

The New York Times

"I'm in complete shock," said Gillingham chairman Paul Scally.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think the kids are in complete shock," he said.

The New York Times

He said the company was in complete shock.

The Guardian

The water was so cold, we were in complete shock.

The Guardian

Everyone I have spoken to is in complete shock.

Independent

I was in complete shock when I saw the water pouring, even the following morning.

The Guardian

"When I found out it was for real, I was in complete shock".

The New York Times - Sports

"For the first three months, we were all in complete shock," says Piechowski.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in complete shock" to express a powerful emotional reaction to an unexpected and often negative event. Ensure the context clearly establishes the cause of the shock to enhance the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "in complete shock" repeatedly in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "utterly astonished" or "absolutely stunned" to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in complete shock" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used as a predicate adjective following a linking verb (e.g., "was", "seemed"). It modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the emotional state of a person or entity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in complete shock" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of extreme surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but is also present in formal business communications, showcasing its versatility. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause of the shock. While effective, avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "utterly astonished" or "in utter disbelief" to maintain engaging and varied writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in utter disbelief

Highlights the inability to accept something as true.

absolutely stunned

Replaces "shock" with "stunned" to indicate being overwhelmed.

utterly astonished

Changes the structure and vocabulary to emphasize the feeling of astonishment.

completely taken aback

Focuses on being surprised and caught off guard.

totally dumbfounded

Emphasizes being unable to speak due to surprise.

in total amazement

Emphasizes the feeling of wonder and surprise.

deeply shaken

Shifts the focus to the emotional impact of the shock.

astounded beyond words

Similar to speechless, but emphasizes the degree of amazement.

speechless with surprise

Highlights the inability to speak due to shock.

reeling from the impact

Focuses on the disorienting effect of the shocking event.

FAQs

How can I use "in complete shock" in a sentence?

You can use "in complete shock" to describe someone's reaction to surprising or unbelievable news. For example: "When she heard she won the lottery, she was "in complete shock"."

What can I say instead of "in complete shock"?

You can use alternatives like "utterly astonished", "totally dumbfounded", or "absolutely stunned" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in complete shock" in formal writing?

While "in complete shock" is widely understood, consider using a more formal alternative like "in utter disbelief" or "completely taken aback" in professional or academic contexts for a more polished tone.

What does it mean to be "in complete shock"?

Being ""in complete shock"" means experiencing a state of extreme surprise, disbelief, or emotional overwhelm, often in response to something unexpected or traumatic.