shocking amount of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shocking amount of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or degree that is surprising or unexpected, often in a negative context. Example: "The report revealed a shocking amount of waste produced by the factory last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Christmas generates a shocking amount of waste.

Independent

"It was a shocking amount of money.

The Guardian

"It is a shocking amount of money," Ms Thornton said.

Independent

There is for instance a "truly shocking amount of roadkill".

The Guardian - Books

A shocking amount of what we're reading is created not by humans but by computer algorithms.

The New Yorker

There is a shocking amount of proper, terrorising fear during this and subsequent scenes.

The Guardian - Film

"People are spending a shocking amount of time in the multiplayer gaming world.

The New York Times

A recent study by The Drum showed a surprising (some might say shocking) amount of homogeneity.

The Guardian

A shocking amount of what we're reading is created not by humans, but by computer algorithms.

The New York Times

It demands concentration, hard work and not least a shocking amount of butter.

The Washington Post

Obama's election was a milestone, and yet he's become a target that has provoked a shocking amount of overt racism.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shocking amount of" to express surprise or disapproval regarding a surprisingly large quantity. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and why it is considered shocking.

Common error

Avoid using "shocking amount of" for minor or insignificant quantities. Reserve it for situations where the amount is genuinely surprising or concerning to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocking amount of" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to express surprise or dismay at a large quantity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across diverse contexts, emphasizing the unexpected or troubling nature of the amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Wiki

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shocking amount of" effectively conveys surprise or concern regarding a surprisingly large quantity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best reserved for genuinely surprising or concerning amounts to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "staggering quantity of" or "surprising quantity of" for nuanced expression, and ensure your writing context warrants the intensity of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staggering quantity of

Replaces "shocking" with "staggering", emphasizing the overwhelming nature of the amount.

surprising quantity of

Replaces "shocking" with "surprising", focusing on the unexpected nature of the amount.

astonishing degree of

Uses "astonishing degree" instead of "shocking amount", highlighting the level or intensity.

remarkable level of

Employs "remarkable level" indicating an unusual or noteworthy extent.

considerable quantity of

Indicates a large amount that is worthy of attention.

unbelievable quantity of

Emphasizes incredulity at the sheer amount of something.

an outrageous amount of

This alternative emphasizes the excessive and unacceptable nature of the amount.

an inordinate amount of

Replaces "shocking" with "inordinate", suggesting an amount that is excessive or disproportionate.

a disturbing amount of

Highlights the unsettling or concerning nature of the quantity.

an alarming quantity of

Replaces "shocking" with "alarming", stressing the worrying nature of the amount.

FAQs

How can I use "shocking amount of" in a sentence?

You can use "shocking amount of" to describe a surprisingly large quantity of something, often with a negative connotation. For example, "There is a shocking amount of plastic waste in the ocean."

What are some alternatives to "shocking amount of"?

Alternatives include "staggering quantity of", "surprising quantity of", or "astonishing degree of" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "shocking amount of" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "shocking amount of" might be considered less formal than alternatives like "considerable quantity of" or "remarkable level of" in very formal or academic contexts.

What kind of situations is "shocking amount of" best suited for?

"Shocking amount of" is best suited for highlighting unexpectedly high quantities, often in situations involving waste, misuse, or other negative consequences. For instance, "The investigation revealed a shocking amount of public money being mismanaged."