it would be shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would be shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about a situation or event that is unexpected or hard to accept. Example: "If the company were to suddenly close its doors, it would be shocking to all of its employees."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

If true, it would be shocking.

The Guardian

"I think it would be shocking for something as large and well known as Penthouse to go down," said Ms. Hanson, the former Leg Show editor.

The New York Times

But then, given how firmly its hands are tied by anti-union legislation, it would be shocking if it had.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It would be shocking".

The New York Times

It would be shocking if MetLife prevailed.

The Economist

It would be shocking but feasible.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

If someone asked me to reduced sedentary time I would be mindful of it but I would be shocked that they asked.

BMJ Open

She was against it, she said nervously, knowing I would be shocked.

The New Yorker

It would be shock therapy, a treatment resolution that promises future explosions.

HuffPost

"I think it's normal that they would be shocked," Anthopoulos said.

The New York Times - Sports

I would be shocked if it's like any comic book movie I've ever seen".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context; if a milder term is needed, opt for alternatives like "surprising" or "unexpected".

Common error

Avoid using "it would be shocking" in highly formal or academic writing where a more neutral or objective tone is preferred. Instead, consider phrases like "it would be unexpected" or "it would be noteworthy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would be shocking" functions as an expression of disbelief or surprise. It typically introduces a statement that contradicts expectations or norms. Ludwig AI confirms its standard use in expressing strong reactions to unexpected events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it would be shocking" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey strong surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI underlines that this phrase adheres to standard grammatical conventions. While typically neutral in register and common in news and media contexts, it may be less suitable for highly formal writing, where alternatives such as "it would be unexpected" might be preferable. This guide has explored its usage, offered related phrases, and provided writing tips to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it would be astonishing

Replaces "shocking" with a term suggesting great surprise; maintains a similar level of formality.

it would be surprising

Uses a milder term than "shocking", indicating something unexpected but not necessarily offensive.

it would be unbelievable

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting the truth of a situation.

it would be inconceivable

Highlights the impossibility of imagining a particular situation.

it would be unthinkable

Suggests that something is so undesirable it shouldn't even be considered.

it would be appalling

Emphasizes the morally offensive or reprehensible nature of a potential situation.

it would be outrageous

Indicates that a situation would be unacceptable or offensive.

it would be remarkable

Suggests that a situation would be noteworthy or extraordinary.

it would be extraordinary

Highlights the exceptional or unusual nature of a situation.

it would be stunning

Implies a surprising and impactful, potentially negative, outcome.

FAQs

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

Use "it would be shocking" to express surprise or disbelief about something unexpected or unacceptable. For example: "It would be shocking if the company decided to close down without any prior notice".

What are some alternatives to "it would be shocking"?

You can use alternatives such as "it would be surprising", "it would be astonishing", or "it would be unbelievable" depending on the context and the degree of surprise you want to convey.

Is "it would be shocking" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it would be shocking" might be perceived as too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral alternatives such as "it would be unexpected" or "it would be remarkable".

What's the difference between "it would be shocking" and "it would be surprising"?

"It would be shocking" implies a stronger sense of surprise and often suggests that something is unacceptable or violates expectations. "It would be surprising" is a milder term, indicating something unexpected but not necessarily negative or unacceptable.