it is shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is shocking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to express surprise, disbelief, or disapproval about something. Here are some examples: - "It is shocking that he would cheat on his girlfriend like that." - "The state of our environment is truly shocking." - "Did you hear about the scandal at the company? It is shocking!" - "The statistics reveal a shocking truth about poverty in our country." - "It is truly shocking that such discrimination still exists in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it is shocking.

The Guardian

Some of it is shocking.

The Guardian

It is shocking how few are given this opportunity.

The Guardian

We didn't really discuss it, but I see that it is shocking.

The Guardian - Film

The punishment is unfair; it is shocking.

BBC

When it happens it is shocking.

BBC

It is shocking too how quickly Kunming station has retuned to normal.

BBC

All this is absolutely ridiculous; it is shocking.

Vice

It is shocking you didn't notice it earlier".

Vice

It is shocking how little one can do when there is a tiny Baby to be attended to.

History of the Family

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is shocking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is shocking" to express strong disapproval or surprise at unexpected or unacceptable situations. Ensure the context clearly indicates what you find shocking.

Common error

Avoid using "it is shocking" as a standalone statement without specifying what exactly is shocking. Always provide context to ensure clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is shocking" functions as an evaluative expression, conveying a strong sense of surprise, disbelief, or moral outrage. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase to express disapproval.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is shocking" is a versatile expression used to convey surprise, disbelief, or strong disapproval. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. Analysis of numerous examples reveals that it predominantly appears in News & Media, signifying a neutral register. While alternatives like "it is appalling" or "it is outrageous" offer similar sentiments, "it is shocking" provides a balanced tone suitable for diverse contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure you provide sufficient context to maximize clarity and impact. It’s a statement that invites reflection on unexpected or unacceptable realities, highlighting the need for awareness and potential action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's appalling

Emphasizes a sense of disgust and moral outrage, suggesting a strong negative reaction.

it's unbelievable

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true, stressing incredulity.

it's outrageous

Focuses on the unacceptability and offensiveness of a situation, suggesting a violation of norms.

it's scandalous

Indicates that something is morally offensive and likely to cause public outrage.

it's horrifying

Emphasizes the terrifying or dreadful nature of something, creating a sense of fear and shock.

it's disturbing

Highlights the unsettling and disquieting aspects of a situation, suggesting unease.

it's alarming

Indicates that something is worrying and may signal a potential threat or danger.

it's astonishing

Stresses the surprising and remarkable nature of something, creating a sense of wonder or disbelief.

it's staggering

Emphasizes the overwhelming and surprising nature of something, suggesting a strong impact.

it's dreadful

Highlights the unpleasant and distressing nature of something, creating a sense of discomfort.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is shocking" to express disbelief or disapproval. For instance, "It is shocking how little some people care about the environment".

What are some alternatives to saying "it is shocking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is appalling", "it is outrageous", or "it is unbelievable depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "it is shocking" or "that's shocking"?

"It is shocking" tends to be slightly more formal than "that's shocking", but both are generally acceptable in most contexts.

Can "it is shocking" be used in positive contexts?

While primarily used to express negative surprise or disapproval, "it is shocking" can occasionally be used in a positive context to denote something surprisingly good or impressive, though this is less common.