it is really shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is really 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 really shocking to see how things have unfolded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"It is really shocking," added Mr. Calitis, who runs a soup kitchen at his church in Riga's old town.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it's really shocking.

The New York Times

It was really shocking.

The New York Times - Style

It was something I didn't expect and it was really shocking.

The Guardian

When, newly bereaved, his carefully built-up defences collapse and he weeps uncontrollably, it's really shocking.

Independent

Neighbour Abdul Rogers said: "It's really shocking.

BBC

"And then, as it got close, it was really shocking.

Huffington Post

Your film also shows a striking set of graphics of the world 10 - 20 - 50 years from now, what the energy needs will be... and it's really shocking.

Huffington Post

It's really shocking.

British Journal of Cancer

Mr. Fullington also said that a comparison of the state's roster of the company's drivers with a roster obtained by a city subpoena found a large gap: Apple Tours told the state it had 24 drivers, he said, and told the city it had 80. "When I saw it, I was really shocked," Mr. Fullington said.

The New York Times

Whereas now because you're in, you can see it, and I was really shocked by the amount of women, by about week four or five were sort of hitting rock bottom' (Peer Supporters).

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is really shocking" to express strong surprise, disbelief, or dismay at unexpected or disturbing news. Ensure the context clearly indicates what you find shocking to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "it is really shocking" is acceptable, avoid overusing 'really' in your writing. Vary your vocabulary to maintain impact; consider alternatives like 'utterly', 'absolutely', or 'genuinely' for similar emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is really shocking" functions as an expressive statement, conveying a strong feeling of surprise, disbelief, or dismay. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. It typically follows an observation or revelation that is unexpected or disturbing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is really shocking" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to convey surprise, disbelief, or dismay. Ludwig's analysis of various sources reveals its frequent usage in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives for professional or academic writing to maintain impact. While 'it is really shocking' is acceptable, explore similar phrases such as "it is truly surprising" or "it is utterly unbelievable" to enhance writing style. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of the expression, offering numerous real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's truly appalling

This alternative emphasizes the morally reprehensible nature of the situation, adding a layer of stronger disapproval.

it's utterly unbelievable

This phrase focuses on the difficulty of accepting the situation as true, highlighting the incredulity it provokes.

it's genuinely disconcerting

This option stresses the unsettling and disturbing aspect of the situation, implying a feeling of unease.

it's absolutely outrageous

This phrase conveys a sense of indignation and anger, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of the event.

it's quite astounding

This alternative highlights the amazement and wonder, perhaps with a hint of disbelief.

it's remarkably disturbing

This phrase focuses on the unsettling nature of the event, emphasizing how concerning the situation is.

it's exceptionally surprising

This emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event, highlighting that it was out of the ordinary.

it's frankly horrifying

This option conveys a strong sense of fear and shock, emphasizing the frightening nature of the situation.

it's downright astonishing

This highlights the surprising nature of the situation, suggesting a considerable degree of wonder and disbelief.

it's simply unbelievable

Emphasizes the feeling that the situation is hard to accept as true, highlighting incredulity.

FAQs

How can I use "it is really shocking" in a sentence?

You can use "it is really shocking" to express surprise or disbelief. For example: "After hearing about the company's unethical practices, "it is really shocking" to see how things have unfolded."

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

You can use alternatives like "it is truly surprising", "it is quite astonishing", or "it is utterly unbelievable" depending on the context.

Is "it is really shocking" formal or informal?

The phrase "it is really shocking" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or professional settings.

What makes something "it is really shocking" as opposed to just surprising?

Something that is ""it is really shocking"" typically evokes a stronger emotional response than something that is merely surprising. Shock implies a sense of disbelief, dismay, or outrage, often due to the unexpected or disturbing nature of the event.