met with consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "met with consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone experiences anxiety, dismay, or confusion in response to something unexpected or troubling. Example: "The announcement of the sudden layoffs was met with consternation by the employees, who feared for their job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The edict was met with consternation in dioceses worldwide.

The New York Times

The adoption of these rules was met with consternation, mostly by people outside of Delaware.

The New York Times

His views have largely been met with consternation, however, though some were more sympathetic.

Independent

The plan has been met with consternation by organizers of the festivals.

The New York Times

The revelation of the priests' complaints will be met with consternation in the Vatican.

The Guardian

The N.C.A.A.'s decision was met with consternation by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who signed the law in January and has called it common-sense public policy.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

It was met with widespread consternation from Ferrante fans.

The New Yorker

The announcement was met with some consternation in the House of Commons, with Labour MP Jess Phillips reportedly shouting, "You're not paying it George, I am!".

Independent

The question "Do you think you will play three debutants, Alastair?" would have been met with utter consternation six weeks ago, with those dark eyebrows heading heavenwards.

The Guardian - Sport

In a move that was met with widespread consternation, the government also announced that within the next three years some 26,000 rejected asylum seekers who had exhausted all appeals would be returned to countries in which their safety was not deemed endangered.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This decision was met with some consternation, so assurances were made that over time suitable Māori candidates would take over these positions.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "met with consternation", be specific about who experienced the consternation. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "met with consternation" in very casual or informal writing. While grammatically correct, it is a relatively formal phrase and may sound out of place in everyday conversation or informal communication. Consider using simpler alternatives like "caused confusion" or "was met with surprise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "met with consternation" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a specific reaction to an event, announcement, or decision. It describes how something was received, emphasizing a negative response characterized by anxiety, dismay, or confusion. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is usable and correct in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "met with consternation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a reaction characterized by anxiety, dismay, or confusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most frequently found in news and encyclopedic contexts, demonstrating its suitability for formal and objective reporting. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to effectively convey the intensity and scope of the negative sentiment. While synonyms exist, such as "received with dismay" or "greeted with alarm", the choice should align with the precise nuance intended. Avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain the appropriate tone and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received with dismay

Changes the verb to "received" and uses "dismay" to emphasize disappointment and discouragement.

greeted with alarm

Emphasizes a sense of fear or apprehension rather than confusion or disappointment.

met with disapproval

Focuses on the negative judgment or lack of acceptance.

evoked unease

Highlights the feeling of discomfort or anxiety caused.

sparked outrage

Indicates a strong feeling of anger and indignation.

prompted bewilderment

Focuses on the confusion and lack of understanding.

caused anxiety

Highlights the feeling of worry and nervousness.

generated concern

Focuses on the worry and interest in an issue or situation.

incited apprehension

Indicates a feeling of anxiety about the future.

led to perturbation

Highlights disturbance or agitation.

FAQs

How can I use "met with consternation" in a sentence?

Use "met with consternation" to describe a situation where an action, decision, or event is received with anxiety, dismay, or confusion. For example: "The new policy was "met with consternation" by the employees".

What are some synonyms for "met with consternation"?

Alternatives include "received with dismay", "greeted with alarm", or "met with disapproval". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "met with consternation" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "met with consternation" is suitable for formal writing, such as news articles, academic papers, and business reports. It conveys a clear sense of negative reaction in a professional tone.

What's the difference between "met with consternation" and "caused concern"?

"Met with consternation" suggests a stronger negative reaction involving dismay or anxiety, while "caused concern" indicates a milder level of worry or apprehension. Therefore, "met with consternation" is used for more significant negative reactions.