it would not be shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it would not be shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something is not surprising or unexpected in a given context. Example: "Given the recent events in the industry, it would not be shocking if the company decided to downsize."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It would not be shocking.

The New Yorker

It would not be shocking to see this game come down to a shootout for the second standings point.

The New York Times

In fact, it would not be shocking to see Lithuania give the USA more trouble than any of the other three remaining teams.

The Guardian - Sport

When Stoudemire returns it would not be shocking if he's expected to play more of a supporting role than he has in the past.

The Guardian - Sport

But it would not be shocking if, sometime soon, there were big American cities that had no local newspaper; more important, we're almost sure to see a sharp decline in the volume and variety of content that newspapers collectively produce.

The New Yorker

And while it appears Pitino will indeed remain in charge, it would not be shocking if the Nets and other franchises asked the Celtics for permission to speak with Pitino in the coming weeks.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

So it wouldn't be shocking if another swashbuckler should materialize ― with or without Johnny Depp's Captain Jack Sparrow, the drunken pirate who has appeared in all five.

Huffington Post

If the Suns make it to the finals, I would not be shocked.

The New York Times

Or as Charles Barkley, the TNT analyst, put it during a conference call: "If the Dallas Mavericks made it to the conference finals, I would not be shocked.

The New York Times

If they lost in the first round, I would not be shocked".

The New York Times

I guess — though I won't be around to see it — I wouldn't be shocked to find out that by 2100 most things were destroyed".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it would not be shocking" to express a lack of surprise when discussing potential outcomes or events that align with current trends or expectations. For example: "Given the company's recent performance, it would not be shocking if they announced layoffs."

Common error

While versatile, "it would not be shocking" can sound informal in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "it is conceivable" or "it is plausible" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it would not be shocking" primarily functions as a hedge or a qualifier. It expresses an opinion or prediction with a degree of uncertainty, suggesting that something is likely or possible, but not guaranteed. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it would not be shocking" serves as a versatile hedge, expressing a lack of surprise regarding a potential outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in News & Media sources make it suitable for general audiences. While it functions to set expectations, remember to opt for more formal alternatives like "it is conceivable" in highly formal or academic writing. Related phrases include "it wouldn't be surprising" and "it's not unexpected", offering similar shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it wouldn't be surprising

Simple rephrasing using a synonym for "shocking" and contraction.

it's not unexpected

Direct substitution with synonyms emphasizing anticipation.

it's not out of the question

Shifts focus to possibility rather than surprise.

it's conceivable

More formal, indicating possibility and logical consistency.

it's plausible

Similar to 'conceivable' but emphasizes believability.

it's within the realm of possibility

Expands on the idea of potential occurrence.

it's not unheard of

Focuses on the lack of novelty or precedent.

it's predictable

Highlights the expected nature of the event.

it's almost certain

Indicates a high degree of likelihood.

one could anticipate it

More formal and emphasizes the ability to foresee the event.

FAQs

What does "it would not be shocking" mean?

The phrase "it would not be shocking" means that something is not surprising or unexpected. It implies that a particular outcome is reasonably likely given the circumstances.

What can I say instead of "it would not be shocking"?

You can use alternatives like "it wouldn't be surprising", "it's not unexpected", or "it's plausible" depending on the context.

Is "it would not be shocking" formal or informal?

The phrase "it would not be shocking" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts. However, in highly formal or academic writing, a more precise alternative might be preferred.

How can I use "it would not be shocking" in a sentence?

You can use "it would not be shocking" to express a lack of surprise about a potential event. For example: "Considering the market trends, "it would not be shocking" if the company's stock price increased."