shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

"shocking" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to something unexpected, horrifying, or distressing. For example: "The news of his death was shocking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It really was shocking.

The Guardian - Travel

Yet all day long they had allowed the falsehood to be tweeted and written about that Miranda was detained without being offered a lawyer.Pretty shocking.

The Guardian

"Nigeria has a great deal of work to do to improve its record on human rights, particularly when it comes to the rights of women and girls," says a spokeswoman for Amnesty International UK. "The gender gap last year was shocking.

The Guardian

Lesbian frolics are the meat and pommes de terre of movieland but proper man-on-man action is still viewed as shocking.

The Guardian - Film

The PAC report said it was "unacceptable" that the Cup Trust had ever been allowed to register as a charity, and it was shocking that the commission had failed to close it down when it investigated it, between 2010 and 2012.

The Guardian

Her pieces varied in mood from lacerating and shocking to playful, comical and celebratory, but for most of her career she grappled with that brutally simple, tortuously difficult question: in the face of so much cruelty and suffering in the world, what are an artist's ethical and political responsibilities?

The Guardian - Arts

This evidence of total state control was immediate and shocking.

The Guardian - Travel

We didn't really discuss it, but I see that it is shocking.

The Guardian - Film

No matter that we all knew it was coming, and that the clues have been dropping thick and fast over the past few weeks, still the moment when Ziggy walks back into the warehouse and shoots Double G dead has to come as one of the series's most shocking.

The Guardian

Shocking game … but don't you think Charles and Fabio Capello look alike?" Do either of them ever regret not having pursued a career as a footballer?

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This sentiment shocks me deeply – considering that I really am to be tied by the conjugal knot & actually to be blessed by the Church of England: but then the truth always is so shocking and probably nobody is monogamous".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shocking", consider the intensity of the emotion you want to convey. If a milder term suffices, opt for alternatives like "surprising" or "unexpected".

Common error

Avoid using "shocking" for situations that are merely surprising or slightly disappointing. This can dilute the word's impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "shocking" primarily functions to describe something that causes a sudden and strong emotional reaction, typically surprise, indignation, or disgust. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. This is evident in Ludwig's examples where "shocking" is used to modify nouns like "game", "attack" and "errors".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shocking" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that elicits strong surprise, indignation, or disgust. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. Its primary function is to convey a negative emotional response, particularly in news and media contexts, though its formality remains neutral. Remember to reserve "shocking" for genuinely outrageous situations and avoid overuse in milder contexts. The related phrases, such as "appalling" or "outrageous", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific emotion you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appalling

Emphasizes the repulsive or disgusting nature of something.

outrageous

Highlights the unacceptability and offense caused by something.

scandalous

Focuses on the disreputable and morally offensive aspect.

horrifying

Stresses the fear and terror induced by something.

distressing

Emphasizes the feeling of anxiety and suffering caused by something.

astounding

Implies great surprise and disbelief.

unbelievable

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

stunning

Indicates a strong emotional impact, often of surprise or admiration (can be positive or negative depending on context).

unexpected

Simply emphasizes the lack of anticipation.

remarkable

Highlights how something is worth paying attention to, either good or bad.

FAQs

How can I use "shocking" in a sentence?

You can use "shocking" to describe something that causes surprise, indignation, or disgust. For instance, "The details of the crime were truly shocking." or "It's shocking that such things still happen today."

What words can I use instead of "shocking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "appalling", "outrageous", "scandalous", or "horrifying".

When is it appropriate to use the word "shocking"?

"Shocking" is appropriate when describing something that is profoundly surprising and disturbing, often due to its unexpected or morally reprehensible nature. Consider whether a less intense word might be more suitable if the situation isn't truly outrageous.

What's the difference between "shocking" and "surprising"?

"Surprising" simply means unexpected, while "shocking" implies a more intense emotional reaction, often involving disbelief, outrage, or disgust. Something can be surprising without being shocking, but something shocking is almost always surprising.