it is rather shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is rather shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about a situation or event that is unexpected or disturbing. Example: "After hearing the news about the scandal, I must say it is rather shocking to learn how long it has been going on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She said: "If you look at the figures it is rather shocking the percentages of sustainable fashion in relation to the whole fashion industry in the UK.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I hadn't realized, though, how many vegetables I never ate," Laura wrote, "and it is rather shocking how much cauliflower we get.

The New Yorker

It is rather shocking that it took almost a 100 years after the 'official' 1916 start of Dada in Zurich for a first comprehensive biography to be published in English on its main instigator Tristan Tzara.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The case against naming, not to mention shaming, rape victims is so transparent to us that it is rather shocking to see the other side, all invisible here, rendered in such detail just as, to be sure, it is rather shocking, when in France, to be reminded that here we take knowing the details of the private life of public people for granted.

The New Yorker

Considering the 40+ years history of the study of code evolution, it is rather shocking to contemplate how little progress has been made as the same questions are addressed today that were the subject of Woese's and Crick's thinking in the 1960ies.

Biology Direct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

It's rather shocking.

The New Yorker

That ambivalence was to be expected, but American negotiators' deference to it was rather shocking.

The New York Times

"It was the first really commercial project I got involved with, and I was rather shocked by the reaction.

The Guardian - Film

Frankly, I was rather shocked at the shallowly created main girl characters.

The Guardian

I'm not a Catholic myself, and I'm rather shocked to find how vehemently I feel the Pope has been wronged this week.

The Guardian

The map that accompanies his article is rather shocking.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is rather shocking" to express surprise and disapproval, especially when discussing unexpected negative developments or ethical breaches.

Common error

Avoid using "it is rather shocking" in casual conversations; opt for simpler expressions like "it's surprising" or "that's unbelievable" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is rather shocking" functions as an evaluative statement, expressing surprise and often disapproval or concern regarding a particular situation or event. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is rather shocking" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey surprise and disapproval. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, noting its applicability across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. While versatile, it suits neutral to professional registers, better fitting formal discussions than casual conversations. For expressing similar sentiments in informal settings, consider using "it is quite surprising" or "it is fairly surprising".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is quite surprising

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of something.

it is fairly surprising

A milder form, suggesting a moderate level of surprise.

it is actually unbelievable

Conveys a sense of incredulity.

it is quite alarming

Highlights the potentially concerning nature of something.

it is genuinely disturbing

Focuses on the unsettling or troubling aspect of something.

it is rather astonishing

Implies a sense of wonder and amazement.

it is indeed bewildering

Highlights the confusing or perplexing nature of something.

it is seriously disconcerting

Indicates something causes anxiety and unease.

it is frankly appalling

Expresses strong disapproval and moral outrage.

it is truly remarkable

Emphasizes the exceptional and noteworthy nature of something.

FAQs

What does "it is rather shocking" mean?

The phrase "it is rather shocking" means something is surprisingly upsetting or disturbing. It conveys a sense of disbelief and often disapproval.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it is rather shocking"?

Use "it is rather shocking" when you want to express surprise and concern about something unexpected, particularly when it involves negative or unethical behavior. It is suitable for formal discussions and written communication.

What can I say instead of "it is rather shocking"?

You can use alternatives like "it is quite surprising", "it is fairly surprising", or "it is quite alarming" depending on the context.

Is "it is rather shocking" formal or informal?

"It is rather shocking" is more formal than saying "it's shocking" or "that's shocking". It's suitable for professional environments, academic papers, or news articles.