it was really shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was really shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about an event or situation that was unexpected or disturbing. Example: "When I heard the news about the accident, it was really shocking to me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

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

Huffington Post

It was really shocking".

The New York Times

"It was really shocking," he said.

The Guardian

"It was really shocking," she says.

The Guardian - Film

"It was really shocking, just devastating," she says.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But it's really shocking.

The New York Times

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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was really shocking" to express a strong, immediate reaction to something unexpected or disturbing. It conveys a sense of surprise and disbelief.

Common error

Avoid overusing "really" to modify adjectives. While it adds emphasis, excessive use can weaken your writing. Consider stronger synonyms like "utterly", "completely", or "absolutely" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was really shocking" functions as an expressive statement, conveying a strong emotional reaction to a surprising or disturbing event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, supported by examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was really shocking" is a common and grammatically correct way to express surprise, disbelief, or dismay. Ludwig AI data shows it's frequently used in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, avoid overusing "really"; consider stronger synonyms for greater impact. Alternatives include "it was truly surprising" or "it came as a complete shock". This expression is suitable for various situations and registers, offering an effective means of conveying a strong emotional reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i found it to be shocking

Changes the sentence structure by using the verb "find".

it came as a complete shock

Shifts the focus to the sudden and unexpected nature of the realization.

it really took me by surprise

Emphasizes the unexpectedness and personal impact of the event.

it was truly surprising

Emphasizes the element of surprise more directly.

it was quite startling

Highlights the unexpected and potentially alarming nature of the event.

it was utterly astonishing

Conveys a higher degree of amazement and disbelief.

it was deeply disturbing

Focuses on the unsettling and troubling aspects of the situation.

it was genuinely appalling

Emphasizes the shocking and morally offensive nature of the event.

it was extremely unsettling

Highlights the discomfort and unease caused by the event.

it was legitimately horrifying

Conveys a strong sense of fear and dread.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was really shocking" to express surprise or disbelief about something unexpected or disturbing. For example, "When I saw the damage, "it was really shocking" to me".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was truly surprising", "it was quite startling", or "it came as a complete shock" depending on the context.

Is "it was really shocking" formal or informal?

"It was really shocking" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both informal and semi-formal contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from more sophisticated vocabulary.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was really shocking"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase uses a pronoun ("it"), a past tense verb ("was"), an adverb ("really"), and an adjective ("shocking") in a standard sentence structure.