shocked at how

USAGE SUMMARY

"shocked at how" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a feeling of disbelief, because of something that has happened or been revealed. Example: I was shocked at how quickly the situation had deteriorated.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am shocked at how shocking good service has become.

HuffPost

"I'm shocked at how bad I am.

The New York Times

"I've been shocked at how everyone responded".

The New York Times

"I'm shocked at how good it looks," he said.

The New Yorker

She was shocked at how small the town was.

Independent

"I was shocked at how fast they were," Andy said.

The New York Times

"I was just shocked at how tough it was".

The New York Times

You'd be shocked at how much the kids knew".

Independent

He was also shocked at how alone they became.

University of California, Berkeley

"We were shocked at how polarising this is.

The Guardian - Film

"I was shocked at how Michael had suffered," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shocked at how", ensure that the context clearly explains the cause of the shock to avoid ambiguity. Provide enough detail for the reader to understand the reason for your reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "shocked at how" in situations where the outcome is predictable or not particularly surprising. Overusing it in mundane contexts can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocked at how" functions as an adjectival phrase, where 'shocked' modifies an implied subject and 'at how' introduces a clause explaining the cause of the shock. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shocked at how" is a versatile phrase used to express surprise or disbelief, predominantly found in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is considered grammatically correct and widely used. When writing, ensure the context clarifies the reason for your shock to maximize clarity. While common, avoid overuse in mundane situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "surprised by how" or "astonished by how" to vary your expression. This phrase is suitable for many registers, depending on the specific nuance and word choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprised by how

Focuses more on the element of surprise rather than the intensity of the feeling.

astonished by how

Emphasizes a greater degree of amazement and wonder.

amazed at how

Highlights the positive aspect of being impressed or delighted.

stunned by how

Implies a temporary inability to react due to the intensity of the shock.

taken aback by how

Suggests a momentary feeling of being startled or unsettled.

dismayed by how

Conveys a sense of disappointment or distress.

flabbergasted by how

Indicates a state of speechlessness and bewilderment.

appalled by how

Expresses strong disapproval and moral outrage.

horrified by how

Emphasizes a feeling of intense fear or disgust.

aghast at how

Implies a combination of shock, horror, and dismay.

FAQs

How can I use "shocked at how" in a sentence?

You can use "shocked at how" to express surprise or disbelief about a situation. For example, "I was "shocked at how" easily he forgave them".

What can I say instead of "shocked at how"?

Alternatives include "surprised by how", "astonished by how", or "amazed at how" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shocked at how" formal or informal?

"Shocked at how" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might exist for professional writing.

What's the difference between "shocked at how" and "surprised by how"?

"Shocked at how" implies a stronger emotional reaction than ""surprised by how"". Shock suggests a significant emotional impact, while surprise is a milder form of unexpectedness.