jolt of electricity

USAGE SUMMARY

"jolt of electricity" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means a sudden and intense surge of electrical energy. Example: As soon as the lightning struck, a jolt of electricity shot through the wires and caused a power outage in the entire neighborhood.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Deputies said that if the accused's wife had inserted her house key and then grabbed the handle, an electrical circuit would have been created, sending a jolt of electricity through her arm, chest and heart.

Huffington Post

Humiliated, Morrow settled, and a jolt of electricity went through the literary world.

The New Yorker

Defibrillators deliver a jolt of electricity to interrupt a potentially fatal heart rhythm.

The New York Times

The urban vibe felt like a jolt of electricity in placid Provence.

The New York Times - Travel

"This race has now been given a jolt of electricity," Mr. Markey declared.

The New York Times

By 1963, the station had pumped its last jolt of electricity and was closed down.

The New York Times

Road imperfections zing through the car like a jolt of electricity.

The New York Times

The jolt of electricity effectively fuses man and beast into a single biological fate.

The New York Times - Magazine

These devices, known also as implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), work by zapping the heart with a large jolt of electricity.

The Economist

Her mother handed her the book, and Gilbert felt a jolt of electricity run up her arm.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Almeida had to give up her guitar after one song when she felt a jolt of electricity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jolt of electricity" to vividly describe a sudden and often unexpected burst of energy, shock, or excitement, whether in a literal or figurative sense.

Common error

Avoid using "jolt of electricity" solely for literal electrical events; leverage its figurative power to describe sudden changes, impacts, or moments of intense realization, especially in creative writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jolt of electricity" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a sudden and intense burst of electrical energy, often used both literally and figuratively. Examples show its use in describing physical shocks, emotional impacts, and sudden invigorations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "jolt of electricity" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a sudden burst of electrical energy or, more figuratively, a sharp, impactful experience. As Ludwig AI validates, it's versatile, fitting into both literal and metaphorical contexts, with a neutral to slightly informal register. Predominantly found in News & Media, it serves to create a vivid image of suddenness and intensity. When writing, use it to add impact to descriptions, but avoid limiting it to purely electrical scenarios. Alternatives like "surge of power" or "sudden shock" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

electrical surge

Highlights the electrical aspect, less emphasis on the impact.

surge of power

Focuses on the sudden increase in power rather than the electrical nature.

electrical discharge

Technical term relating to the release of electricity.

sudden shock

Emphasizes the abrupt and surprising nature of the experience.

energy boost

Focuses on the invigorating effect, downplaying any negative connotations of a "jolt".

sudden impact

Highlights the force of the event, less specific than electrical.

electric shock

More literal, referring to the physical sensation of electrical contact.

moment of invigoration

Highlights the positive effect of increased energy.

abrupt awakening

Implies a sudden realization or awareness, similar to a mental "jolt".

unexpected stimulus

Focuses on the surprise and the role of stimulus.

FAQs

How can I use "jolt of electricity" in a sentence?

You can use "jolt of electricity" to describe a literal shock, as in "He received a "jolt of electricity" when he touched the exposed wire". It can also be used figuratively to describe a sudden feeling or event, as in "The news gave her a "jolt of electricity"".

What are some alternatives to "jolt of electricity"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "surge of power", "sudden shock", or "energy boost".

Is it correct to use "jolt of electricity" to describe a feeling?

Yes, "jolt of electricity" is commonly used figuratively to describe a sudden, intense feeling or emotional shock. For example, "The music gave him a "jolt of electricity"".

What's the difference between "jolt of electricity" and "electric shock"?

"Jolt of electricity" can be both literal and figurative, referring to a physical shock or a sudden emotional experience. "Electric shock" is typically more literal, referring specifically to the physical impact of electricity on the body.