shock

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "shock" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a feeling of suddenly being filled with intense surprise, fear, or dismay. For example, "The news of his death came as a shock to everyone who knew him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A statement released on behalf of his family said: "It is with great sadness and an enormous sense of shock that we announce the death of Charles Kennedy.

The Guardian

Then by the time Twitter's finished amplifying their shock by a factor of 10, it's easy to forget that some of the justices will have a more complex thought process than was on display in their questioning.

The Guardian

Friends of Pugh expressed their shock on social media.

The Guardian

BBC1's Election 2015 programme had an average of 4.3 million viewers, a 38.5% share, from 9.55pm on Thursday, kicking off with its shock exit poll that predicted an unexpected 316 seats for the Conservatives.

The Guardian

That was a real huge shock to me.

The Guardian

It was necessary to have that little shock, to learn how the game was played in this country – different to Scotland, to Argentina, to anywhere else.

The Guardian - Sport

This has the effect of making the figurative drawing more abstract, paradoxically, neutralising the shock effect of the splayed limbs, the proffered genitalia, the immediate sexual context of artist and model.

The Guardian - Arts

In some ways, the loss of Balls should not have come as that much of a shock.

The Guardian

The decision means that Albania, who began their campaign with a shock 1-0 win over Portugal, have four points from three games and Serbia one point from two.

The Guardian - Sport

"It does come as a bit of a shock to the system," Grieve reflects.

The Guardian

harmonyhall.com, cottages from $130 a night (three-night minimum) Nothing can quite prepare you for the shock of what lies behind a plain wooden gate at the end of a scruffy little track.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shock" carefully when describing medical conditions; always consult reliable sources to ensure accurate and sensitive language.

Common error

Avoid using "shock" to describe minor inconveniences or slightly surprising events. Overusing the word diminishes its impact and can make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead, opt for words like "surprise", "amaze", or "startle" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The word "shock" functions primarily as a noun to denote a sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience or as a verb to describe the act of causing someone to feel surprised and upset. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in describing unexpected news or impactful events. According to Ludwig AI, the word follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "shock" is commonly used as both a noun and a verb to describe sudden and impactful events or emotional responses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and the examples reflect its prevalence in diverse contexts such as news and media, science, and formal business settings. While versatile, it's crucial to use "shock" appropriately, reserving it for situations that genuinely warrant a sense of surprise and intensity. Overusing it can dilute its impact, making your writing sound melodramatic. Considering synonyms such as "surprise", "dismay", or "trauma" can help fine-tune the precision and impact of your writing. Remember to stay accurate and sensitive, especially when describing medical conditions or emotionally charged situations. The word's frequency and wide-ranging applications make it essential to use "shock" thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

startling surprise

Highlights the element of unexpectedness and amazement.

unexpected blow

Emphasizes the sudden and negative impact of an event.

astounding revelation

Focuses on the element of discovery and profound surprise.

sudden impact

Focuses on the physical aspect of a sudden collision or force.

profound dismay

Highlights the feeling of disappointment and distress.

jarring experience

Emphasizes the unsettling and disruptive nature of an event.

abrupt disturbance

Focuses on the sudden disruption of a normal state.

emotional trauma

Specifically refers to deep emotional distress and its lasting effects.

major upheaval

Emphasizes significant disruption and change.

seismic event

Highlights the scale and impact of a disruptive occurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "shock" in a sentence?

You can use "shock" to describe a sudden, disturbing event or a strong emotional reaction. For example, "The news of the accident came as a great shock" or "The electrical shock caused him to jump."

What are some alternatives to the word "shock"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "surprise", "dismay", "trauma", or "impact".

When is it appropriate to use "shock" as a verb?

Use "shock" as a verb when you want to express that something has caused someone to feel surprised and upset. For instance, "The graphic images shocked viewers".

What is the difference between "shock" and "trauma"?

"Shock" typically refers to an immediate reaction to a disturbing event, while "trauma" describes the long-term emotional and psychological effects of such an event.