it should be shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it should be shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that something is expected to provoke surprise or disbelief. Example: "Given the circumstances of the event, it should be shocking to everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

And it was shocking and it should be shocking.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

News from the Electoral Reform Society that members of the House of Lords who did not vote in the last Parliamentary session claimed £100,000 in expenses is sadly not surprising, but it should be shocking.

Independent

I turn to Clay and he repeats his mantra about Iraq, and says that "it should be shocking and disgusting, maybe, to an audience, but then that's the point".

The Guardian - Film

"It should be shocking".

The New York Times - Science

I mean, if a flying truck lands on the bonnet of your car, it should be shocking and scary.

The Guardian - Film

Given that game violence remains a favoured bogeyman for politicians, press and pressure groups, it should be shocking that such a robust study of the phenomenon is rare.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Great acting, though, should be shocking.

The New York Times

None of this should be shocking.

The Guardian - Opinion

Unfortunately, a narrative that should be shocking is starting to sound more like a tired trope.

Huffington Post

Watching "The Passion of the Christ," Mel Gibson's new movie, I kept thinking the following: it is Christians, not Jews, who should be shocked by this film.

The New York Times

He acknowledges that recording grief, injury, death and distress is potentially a form of exploitation, but he makes it clear that the alternative -- allowing man-made misery to remain invisible beyond the reach of those whose consciences should be shocked by it -- is worse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it should be shocking" to express an expected reaction of surprise or disbelief, often in response to something unexpected or morally questionable. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is meant to be shocking.

Common error

Avoid using "it should be shocking" in contexts where the shock value is artificially manufactured or sensationalized. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it should be shocking" functions as a modal expression. It conveys an expectation or a judgment about an appropriate reaction to a particular situation. As supported by Ludwig, it suggests something ought to cause surprise or disbelief.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it should be shocking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey an expected or appropriate reaction of surprise or disbelief. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a versatile phrase found frequently in news and media sources. When writing, it's important to ensure that its usage aligns with the context to avoid artificial sensationalism. Consider using alternatives like "it ought to be surprising" or "it is expected to be alarming" to fine-tune the intended meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it ought to be surprising

Replaces "should" with "ought", suggesting a moral obligation for surprise.

it is expected to be alarming

Emphasizes the potential for causing alarm, changing the emotional tone.

it is bound to be startling

Focuses on the inevitability of causing a startle.

it's likely to be outrageous

Highlights the potential for causing outrage instead of just shock.

it is anticipated to be disturbing

Shifts the focus to the unsettling nature of the event.

it's unacceptable and appalling

Replaces the expectation of shock with a judgment of unacceptability and appalled sentiment.

it needs to be surprising

Changes the modal verb to emphasize necessity.

it warrants astonishment

Uses a more formal tone and replaces shock with astonishment.

it demands disbelief

Implies that disbelief is the only appropriate reaction.

one should be stunned by it

Personalizes the reaction by specifying who should feel the shock.

FAQs

How can I use "it should be shocking" in a sentence?

Use "it should be shocking" to express that something unexpected or morally questionable is expected to elicit surprise or disbelief. For example, "Given the extent of the corruption, "it should be shocking" to everyone involved".

What can I say instead of "it should be shocking"?

You can use alternatives like "it ought to be surprising", "it is expected to be alarming", or "it is bound to be startling" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it should be shocking" formal or informal?

"It should be shocking" is suitable for neutral contexts. While not overly formal, it's acceptable in news reporting and general discussions. More formal alternatives might include phrases that emphasize the unexpected or appalling nature of the subject, such as "it warrants astonishment".

What's the difference between "it should be shocking" and "it is shocking"?

"It should be shocking" expresses an expectation or anticipation of surprise or disbelief. "It is shocking" states a current state of surprise or disbelief. The former suggests a normative judgment, while the latter is a factual statement about a reaction.