it sounds shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it sounds shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing surprise or disbelief about something that has been said or reported. Example: "When I heard the news about the scandal, I couldn't help but think, it sounds shocking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"It sounds shocking now, but it was not shocking then".

The New York Times

It sounds shocking to most people, but he deeply believed that American morality is in decline and God punishes sin.

The New Yorker

It sounds shocking, but then step back and look at wider society is it really much different?

Vice

It sounds shocking, but then step back and look at wider society – is it really much different?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When a rapist and killer said the woman brutally attacked on a New Delhi bus was responsible for what had happened to her, it sounded shocking around the world.

Independent

From a scholar of religion, such an analysis hardly sounds shocking.

The New York Times - Arts

He sounds shocked at the suggestion.

The Guardian

"Yes!" She sounds shocked at the idea that she might not have been.

The Guardian - Music

When the prosecutor's office recently announced that a third case might be opened against Khodorkovsky, it did not even sound shocking.

The New Yorker

To do this, he was (like Stalin) prepared to use and then discard one trusted lieutenant, and one ideological slogan, after another.That might sound shocking.

The Economist

If these scenarios sound shocking to the male reader, try running them by some of the women you know – you might be surprised to find how common they are.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it sounds shocking" when you want to express your surprise or disbelief about something you've heard or learned. Ensure the context supports the level of surprise you're conveying.

Common error

Avoid using "it sounds shocking" too frequently in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Vary your expressions with alternatives like "it's unbelievable" or "it's astonishing" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it sounds shocking" functions as an evaluative expression, typically used to convey the speaker's reaction to information they find surprising, disturbing, or difficult to believe. Ludwig examples show its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it sounds shocking" is used to convey a sense of surprise, disbelief, or disapproval in response to information perceived as unexpected or disturbing. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media sources. While versatile, overuse can diminish its impact, suggesting writers should consider alternative expressions like "it sounds unbelievable" or "it sounds astonishing" to add variety. Despite its relative infrequency compared to other common phrases, its meaning is consistently understood across different contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sounds unbelievable

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something.

it sounds incredible

Highlights the extraordinary nature of something.

it sounds preposterous

Suggests the idea is absurd or ridiculous.

it sounds astonishing

Focuses on the surprising and impressive nature of the statement.

it sounds outrageous

Indicates the statement is unacceptable or offensive.

it sounds appalling

Highlights the shocking and horrifying aspects.

it sounds mind-blowing

Emphasizes the overwhelming and astonishing nature.

it sounds far-fetched

Suggests the idea is unlikely and unrealistic.

it sounds dubious

Implies uncertainty or doubt about the statement.

it sounds questionable

Suggests the statement may not be entirely true or accurate.

FAQs

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

You can use "it sounds shocking" to express disbelief or surprise about something. For example, "When I heard about the company's bankruptcy, "it sounds shocking" considering their previous success."

What can I say instead of "it sounds shocking"?

You can use alternatives like "it sounds unbelievable", "it sounds astonishing", or "it sounds outrageous" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it sounds shocking" formal or informal?

"It sounds shocking" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more common in news and media or everyday conversation.

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

"It sounds shocking" implies that you are reacting to something you've heard or learned, whereas "it is shocking" is a more direct statement about the shocking nature of something. The former is a reaction, the latter is an assertion.