shocking circumstance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shocking circumstance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or situation that is surprising or disturbing in nature. Example: "The shocking circumstance of the accident left the entire community in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"There's probably someone around the world burning an American flag as we're talking, and it wouldn't be a shocking circumstance that once they're finished demonstrating, they'll go home tonight and they'll probably watch an American movie".

The New York Times

The approximately two-minute segment, titled "Hansen Unplugged: Celebrating Our Differences," opens with a joke about Sam's "shocking" circumstance -- that he's the "best defensive player in football's best conference," yet only a third to fifth-round NFL pick ("Really?!?") -- before adopting a more serious tone and addressing Sam's critics and haters alike.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

They're public property, even when a close friend or relative dies in the most shocking circumstances.

The Guardian - Opinion

"No fine can ever compensate the family for the loss of their mother in such shocking circumstances.

The Guardian

I spent last year writing a book in which someone experiences my greatest fear – losing the love of her life in shocking circumstances.

Independent

A recent case that epitomises the importance of human rights for Spurrier is that of a family whose daughter died in "shocking circumstances" on a hospital psychiatric ward.

The Guardian

Head of the centre, Professor Nynke van den Broek, said: "All at CMNH have been affected by Juan's death under such shocking circumstances.

BBC

Violent crimes are wrenching for the families, and we all mourn the loss of one of our citizens abroad, especially in shocking circumstances like these.

Huffington Post

LGBTIQ people have overcome even the most shocking circumstances to change hearts and minds, and enact legislation that is more aligned with human rights principles.

Huffington Post

The killings were, he said, "perhaps the most shocking set of circumstances" in the four-month-old conflict.

The Economist

"It was a role thrust on her in the most shocking and heartbreaking circumstances and one she rose to with courage and tenacity despite suffering the appalling tragedy of her son's murder".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shocking circumstance" to describe events that are genuinely surprising and have a significant emotional or ethical impact. Avoid using it for minor or trivial situations.

Common error

Avoid using "shocking circumstance" to describe everyday inconveniences. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke surprise and concern; otherwise, opt for milder terms like "surprising" or "unexpected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocking circumstance" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "shocking" modifies the noun "circumstance". It describes a particular situation or event that is surprising and disturbing. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shocking circumstance" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a surprising and disturbing situation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. While the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it effectively conveys a sense of disbelief or concern. To avoid misuse, reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely warrant a strong emotional response, opting for milder alternatives when describing commonplace events. Consider similar phrases like "surprising situation" or ""startling situation"" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

startling situation

Uses 'startling' to highlight the abrupt and surprising quality of the circumstance.

disturbing occurrence

Focuses on the unsettling nature of the circumstance.

startling state of affairs

Indicates a surprising or alarming condition of things.

surprising situation

Replaces 'shocking' with 'surprising', focusing on the unexpected nature of the event.

unexpected turn of events

Describes a surprising shift in the course of events.

unexpected event

Emphasizes the unforeseen aspect of the circumstance, differing slightly in formality.

unforeseen incident

Stresses the unexpected and often problematic nature of the circumstance.

alarming development

Conveys a sense of worry or concern arising from the circumstance.

outrageous event

Implies the circumstance is morally offensive or unacceptable.

tragic situation

Highlights the sorrowful and unfortunate aspects of the circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "shocking circumstance" in a sentence?

You can use "shocking circumstance" to describe an event that is surprising and disturbing. For instance, "The "startling situation" surrounding the investigation left everyone in disbelief".

What's a good alternative to "shocking circumstance"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "surprising situation", "unexpected event", or ""startling situation"".

Is it okay to use "shocking circumstance" in formal writing?

Yes, "shocking circumstance" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when reporting or analyzing events that are genuinely surprising and disturbing. Just ensure the context warrants such a strong term.

What makes a circumstance truly "shocking"?

A "shocking circumstance" involves an event or situation that is profoundly surprising, disturbing, and often unexpected. It typically carries a strong emotional or ethical impact, distinguishing it from merely surprising or unusual events.