jarring

USAGE SUMMARY

"jarring" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe a sound or sensation that is sudden, harsh, and disruptive. For example: "The jarring noise of the screeching brakes startled everyone on the bus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There were jarring juxtapositions at Celine and Peter Som, where trousers were worn under dresses or long tunics; there were sort of aprons over dresses at Proenza Schouler.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

On a day on which he promised there would be no triumphalism, he also struck a jarring note by saying: "We are all Thatcherites now".

The Guardian

Such sentiments would seem jarring for Eurovision, especially in a year celebrating diversity, where host city Vienna installed special same-sex couple pedestrian traffic signals.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now, it's a jarring symbol of lost opportunity for a group who should have gone on to better things.

The Guardian - Sport

For years, its sparkling waters and postcard-pretty beaches have provided a jarring backdrop for migrant boat landings; the island is conveniently closer to Africa than Europe – around 70 miles from the Tunisian coast and further south than Malta.

The Guardian

The Mario agent may not be ready for a five-minute Super Mario Bros run just yet, and it's quite jarring hearing him speak with computer-speech tones rather than the familiar sound of Charles Martinet, who voices him in games.

The Guardian - Tech

But then again, what would be more jarring in the average suburban home than a sudden eruption of Anglo-Saxon expletives in a film that will doubtless be used as a pacifier by many busy parents?

The Guardian - Film

It's atmospheric but not exactly ambient because it's too jarring to be subsumed under that rubric and has a considerable emotional heft.

The Guardian - Music

A jarring reminder of the mass kidnapping came this week when electoral billboards appeared in the capital, Abuja, with the phrase, "#BringBackJonathan2015", in what many saw as a cynical play on the viral #BringBackOurGirls hashtag.

The Guardian

It was jarring, therefore, to hear chairman Donald Brydon argue this week that, now Royal Mail is a member of the FTSE 100 index, Greene ought to be paid more.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

THE potholes on Melbourne Road in Southerton, an industrial district of Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, are bone-jarring.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jarring" to describe situations where there's a noticeable and often unpleasant disruption or contrast. It effectively conveys a sense of unease or disharmony.

Common error

Avoid using "jarring" to describe simple inconveniences or mild disagreements. It's a strong word that implies a significant disruption or negative impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "jarring" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes a sudden, unpleasant, or disruptive effect. Ludwig AI confirms that "jarring" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jarring" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something causing a sudden, unpleasant, or disruptive effect. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a correct and usable word, frequently found in neutral to formal registers, particularly within News & Media. While semantically similar to words like "discordant" and "unsettling", it's important to use "jarring" accurately to denote a significant disruption or negative impact, avoiding its application to minor inconveniences. Common usage involves highlighting contrasts or unpleasant experiences, as exemplified across authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

discordant

Emphasizes a lack of harmony, particularly in sounds or opinions.

abrasive

Focuses on the unpleasant and irritating nature of something.

unsettling

Highlights the disquieting or disturbing effect.

cacophonous

Specifically refers to a harsh and discordant mixture of sounds.

grating

Suggests a harsh, irritating sound or sensation.

incongruous

Indicates a lack of consistency or harmony, often visually.

clashing

Implies a conflict or disagreement.

disruptive

Focuses on the interruption or disturbance caused.

shocking

Highlights the surprise or unexpected nature of something.

jolting

Emphasizes a sudden and abrupt movement or impact.

FAQs

How to use "jarring" in a sentence?

You can use "jarring" to describe a sudden and unpleasant experience. For example, "The sudden change in policy was "jarring" to the employees."

What can I say instead of "jarring"?

You can use alternatives like "discordant", "unsettling", or "abrasive" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "jarring" or "jolting"?

"Jarring" generally refers to a disturbing contrast or effect, while "jolting" refers to a physical shock or sudden movement. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "jarring" and "incongruous"?

"Jarring" implies a disruptive or unpleasant effect, while "incongruous" simply means out of place or not fitting in. Something can be incongruous without being jarring, and vice versa.