in utter shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in utter shock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who has just experienced or witnessed something that is extremely shocking or unexpected. Example: When they heard the news, the family was in utter shock.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

He listens in utter shock.

The New York Times - Books

"I was in utter shock," the father said.

The New York Times

"She was in utter shock," the neighbor said.

The New York Times

Borden said she was in "utter shock" when she got the message.

The Washington Post

She later said she was in "utter shock and disbelief" and hoped the man would be okay.

Independent

In hindsight I should have kept my mouth shut, but at the time I was in utter shock.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Clothes designer Quinn, 31, said she was "in complete and utter shock" after beating psychologist Kimberley Wilson and former model Ruby Tandoh.

BBC

The Hollywood Reporter quoted Globus, 72, as saying he was "in complete and utter shock" and that he could not "come to grips with the news".

BBC

"Everyone is in complete, utter shock".

Los Angeles Times

"I was in complete and utter shock," she said.

The New York Times

"I don't think any of us quite realised the hype that would be surrounding the show," said Quinn, who added that her win left her in "complete and utter shock".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair the phrase with strong verbs to enhance its impact. For example, "He stood in utter shock" is less descriptive than "He gasped in utter shock".

Common error

While effective, relying too heavily on "in utter shock" can weaken your writing. Use it judiciously and consider synonyms to vary your descriptions of surprise and disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in utter shock" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig AI explains it describes a person that is experiencing something shocking or unexpected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in utter shock" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a state of intense surprise and disbelief, often in response to unexpected or disturbing news. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, but also appears in Formal & Business contexts. While grammatically sound and commonly used, overuse can dilute its impact. Alternatives like "completely stunned" or "in complete disbelief" can provide variety. Remember to use it judiciously to effectively convey the depth of someone's emotional state. The key is to use the phrase to highlight not just surprise, but the resulting paralysis and emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in complete disbelief

Stresses the inability to accept something as true.

completely stunned

Emphasizes the state of being overwhelmed and unable to react.

speechless with surprise

Emphasizes the inability to speak due to shock.

absolutely dumbfounded

Highlights the inability to speak or think clearly due to surprise.

totally flabbergasted

Focuses on astonishment and bewilderment.

utterly astonished

Highlights the extreme level of surprise and amazement.

in a state of bewilderment

Emphasizes the confused and disoriented state of mind.

taken aback

Focuses on being surprised and slightly unsettled.

reeling from the news

Highlights the disorienting effect of shocking information.

aghast at what happened

Highlights a feeling of great horror or shock.

FAQs

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

You can use "in utter shock" to describe someone's reaction to something unexpected or shocking. For instance, "She stared at the wreckage "in utter shock" after the accident".

What are some alternatives to "in utter shock"?

Alternatives include "completely stunned", "in complete disbelief", or "absolutely dumbfounded". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "in utter shock" or "completely shocked"?

"In utter shock" and "completely shocked" are similar, but "in utter shock" suggests a deeper level of surprise and disbelief. The choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to convey. You can also use phrases like "in total shock".

What does "in utter shock" imply about the person's state?

The phrase "in utter shock" suggests that the person is not only surprised but also deeply affected, possibly to the point of being unable to process the situation or react normally. It emphasizes the intensity of the emotional impact.