she was appalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was appalled" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express strong shock or dismay about something that has happened or been said. Example: "When she heard the news about the unethical practices, she was appalled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was appalled.

The New York Times

And she was appalled.

The Guardian - Books

(He lied and she was appalled).

The New York Times

She was appalled at the suggestion.

The New York Times

She said she was appalled by the waste.

The New York Times

She was appalled about the indifference of the hospital staff.

The Washington Post

Sometimes, she was appalled at what we did.

The Guardian - Books

It was clear she was appalled by what she saw.

The New York Times - Magazine

Often, she was appalled by what she learned.

The New Yorker

She was appalled by the nomination of Harriet Miers.

The New York Times

And that she was appalled at the regime's subsequent brutality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "she was appalled" to convey a strong negative reaction to something considered shocking, offensive, or morally wrong. Ensure the context clearly explains the cause of her strong disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "she was appalled" for mild disappointments or minor inconveniences. This phrase conveys a strong sense of shock or moral outrage, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such a strong reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was appalled" functions as a declarative statement expressing a subject's strong negative emotional reaction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to convey shock and dismay. It acts as a subjective assessment of a situation or event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she was appalled" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong negative reaction of shock, disgust, or disapproval. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed, particularly in news and media contexts, to convey a person's emotional response to a situation. While the phrase itself maintains a neutral register, the emotion it describes is intense, making it suitable for formal and informal writing where conveying strong feelings is appropriate. When choosing alternative phrases, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as options like "she was horrified" or "she was shocked" may carry slightly different connotations. The phrase is a reliable indicator of strong negative sentiment in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was horrified

Indicates a stronger emotional reaction of extreme fear and shock, going beyond simple dismay.

she was shocked

Suggests a sudden and often unpleasant surprise, focusing more on the unexpected nature of the event.

she was disgusted

Emphasizes a feeling of revulsion or strong disapproval, typically related to something morally offensive.

she was dismayed

Implies disappointment and discouragement, often due to something unexpected or problematic.

she was taken aback

Highlights surprise and slight shock, focusing on the unexpected nature of the situation.

she was displeased

Expresses mild dissatisfaction or disapproval, a weaker sentiment compared to being appalled.

she was offended

Indicates that someone felt insulted or hurt, usually due to something said or done directly to them.

she was resentful

Suggests feelings of bitterness or indignation at having been treated unfairly.

she disapproved

Simply conveys a lack of approval, a more understated sentiment.

she objected strongly

Focuses on a verbal or explicit expression of disagreement or opposition.

FAQs

What does "she was appalled" mean?

The phrase "she was appalled" indicates that a female person experienced a strong feeling of shock, disgust, and disapproval about something.

What can I say instead of "she was appalled"?

You can use alternatives like "she was horrified", "she was shocked", or "she was disgusted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "she was appalled" in formal writing?

Yes, "she was appalled" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in journalistic or analytical contexts where you need to express a strong negative reaction. However, consider the specific tone and audience to ensure it's appropriate.

How does "she was appalled" differ from "she was surprised"?

"She was surprised" indicates a feeling of wonder or astonishment, while "she was appalled" expresses strong disapproval and shock. The former is neutral, while the latter is intensely negative.