it was a great shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was a great shock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a sudden and unexpected event. For example: "When the news of his death came, it was a great shock to us all."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"It was a great shock to me.

Independent

"It was a great shock for all of us.

The New York Times

"It was a great shock to me because she didn't know me," Mr. Auchincloss testified.

The New York Times

"It was a great shock to us that it was distinct from those groups," Dr. Paabo said in an interview.

The New York Times - Science

It was a great shock, but we are now, physically at least, beginning to get back on our feet.

The Guardian

I suppose you're thinking, "You soppy cow!" But it was a great shock to me when I read that he'd set up the murder.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"It is a great shock".

The New York Times

"It is a great shock; he is in a coma," Prince Philippe said in an interview.

The New York Times

But when it does come around it's a great shock and a great relief at the same time".

Independent

Mr McCartney, looking pale and distressed, said: "It is a great shock and I am very upset".

The Guardian

I don't think it's a great shock to anyone when they find out how Jane Doe died.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was a great shock" to describe a sudden, unexpected event that caused significant emotional or psychological impact. Ensure the context clearly establishes what the 'it' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "it was a great shock" without clearly specifying what caused the shock. Ensure your sentence provides sufficient context to understand the source of surprise or disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was a great shock" functions as a declarative statement expressing surprise or disbelief regarding a past event or situation. Ludwig provides many examples demonstrating its usage in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was a great shock" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to express significant surprise or disbelief regarding an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly correct. It is most often found in News & Media contexts, suitable for conveying reactions to unexpected or impactful news. When using the phrase, ensure clear context to avoid ambiguity about the cause of the surprise. While synonyms exist, "it was a great shock" provides a direct and widely understood expression of emotional response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it came as a great surprise

Replaces "shock" with "surprise" and slightly alters the sentence structure.

it was utterly unexpected

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the event, replacing "great shock" with a stronger emphasis on surprise.

it was a complete revelation

Suggests the event uncovered something previously unknown, adding an element of discovery.

it bowled me over

An idiomatic expression emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the surprise.

it hit me like a ton of bricks

Another idiomatic expression highlighting the forceful impact of the shock.

I was taken aback by it

Shifts the focus to the speaker's reaction, emphasizing surprise and slight disorientation.

it left me reeling

Emphasizes the disorienting effect of the shock, suggesting a period of adjustment.

it was a bolt from the blue

An idiomatic phrase emphasizing the sudden and unexpected nature of the event.

it caught me completely off guard

Focuses on the lack of preparation for the event, highlighting the element of surprise.

I never saw it coming

A simple and direct expression of disbelief and surprise.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was a great shock" to sound more formal?

Consider using phrases like "it was utterly unexpected" or "it came as a great surprise" for a more formal tone.

What are some common synonyms for "shock"?

Common synonyms include "surprise", "revelation", "jolt", and "disappointment". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was a big shock" instead of "it was a great shock"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct and widely used. "It was a big shock" is perhaps slightly more informal than "it was a great shock".

Can "it was a great shock" be used to describe a positive event?

While "it was a great shock" typically describes an upsetting or negative event, it could describe a positive surprise, though less commonly. For positive events, "it was a pleasant surprise" or "it was a welcome shock" are more appropriate.