quite shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quite shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong reaction of surprise or disbelief regarding a situation or event. Example: "The news of the sudden resignation was quite shocking to everyone in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's quite shocking".

BBC

"It was quite shocking.

The Guardian

"It was honestly quite shocking".

The New York Times

"Quite shocking, really".

The Guardian - Music

"This is quite shocking".

The New York Times

It is quite shocking".

The New York Times

"I find it quite shocking".

The New York Times

It is all quite shocking.

The Washington Post

It was quite shocking, really".

The Guardian

"It's quite shocking," he said.

The New York Times

He said: "It was quite shocking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quite shocking" to convey a strong sense of surprise and disapproval, particularly when reacting to unexpected or negative news. It adds emphasis without being overly dramatic.

Common error

Avoid using "quite shocking" for minor inconveniences or slightly surprising events. Its impact is diminished when applied to trivial situations. Reserve it for genuinely significant or disturbing occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quite shocking" primarily functions as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to express a strong feeling of surprise, dismay, or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quite shocking" is a common and grammatically sound way to express surprise and dismay, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Academic contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations that genuinely warrant a strong reaction, avoiding overuse in trivial scenarios. Alternatives like "very surprising" or "extremely startling" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember that it should be used to express a strong reaction of surprise or disbelief regarding a situation or event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rather surprising

Emphasizes the element of surprise more directly, reducing the intensity of the shock.

somewhat alarming

Highlights the concerning nature of the situation, shifting focus from surprise to worry.

really disturbing

Focuses on the unsettling or troubling aspects of the situation.

genuinely appalling

Intensifies the negative aspect of the situation, suggesting strong disapproval.

utterly dismaying

Stresses the disheartening nature of the event, focusing on the emotional impact.

truly astonishing

Emphasizes the unexpected and remarkable nature of the event.

downright outrageous

Expresses strong indignation and disapproval, highlighting the unacceptability of the situation.

mildly unsettling

Reduces the intensity, suggesting a slight feeling of unease.

slightly perturbing

Indicates a minor disturbance or worry, diminishing the shock value.

somewhat unexpected

Highlights the lack of anticipation, downplaying the intensity of the emotional response.

FAQs

How can I use "quite shocking" in a sentence?

You can use "quite shocking" to describe something that evokes surprise and dismay. For example, "The sudden announcement was "quite shocking" to everyone involved."

What can I say instead of "quite shocking"?

Alternatives include "very surprising", "extremely startling", or "rather surprising" depending on the degree of surprise you wish to express.

Is it appropriate to use "quite shocking" in formal writing?

Yes, "quite shocking" can be used in formal writing, especially when reporting unexpected or disturbing news. However, consider the specific context and audience. In some cases, a more neutral term like "unexpected" or "surprising" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "quite shocking" and "very shocking"?

The phrases are similar, but "very shocking" may convey a slightly stronger degree of surprise or outrage than "quite shocking". The choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to achieve.