shocking incident

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shocking incident" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is surprising or disturbing, often in a negative context. Example: "The news of the shocking incident spread quickly, leaving the community in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ms Glass said: "There's no doubt this was an incredibly serious, shocking incident.

Independent

He appeared similarly tardy in responding to a particularly shocking incident last month.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a shocking incident less than a year ago, 44 villagers in Mardin municipality were murdered at a wedding.

Independent

The government's efforts to brush the shocking incident under the rug will only enrage its aggrieved minority even more.

The New York Times

"This is a shocking incident reminding us of our long-gone days, but we are expecting brighter future now".

The New York Times

To many, that shocking incident seemed to spell the end of a career that had once dominated global pop music.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Trinidadian, Verna Wilkins, founder of Tamarind started her publishing company in 1987 after a shocking incident with her own child.

The Guardian

Perhaps the most shocking incident occurred in August, when Pete Edochie, a star of Nigeria's film industry, was kidnapped.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hossam Meneai, an Egyptian documentary-maker, was arrested at his home on 22 January – a shocking incident that frightened many, said Meneai's British flatmate, Nizar Manek.

The Guardian

The Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, said: "This is an extremely shocking incident and I want to express my deepest sympathy to the families affected by this tragedy".

Independent

Worse, Israeli forces are accused of preventing Palestinian paramedics from helping the survivors for two days".This is a shocking incident.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shocking incident", ensure the context clearly establishes why the incident is shocking, providing enough detail for the reader to understand the emotional impact or unexpected nature of the event.

Common error

Avoid using "shocking incident" as a vague placeholder for a lack of detailed description. Provide specific details to convey the true nature and impact of the event, rather than relying solely on the adjective "shocking".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocking incident" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "shocking" modifies the noun "incident". It describes an event that is unexpected, disturbing, or morally offensive. Ludwig's examples show it used to introduce news stories or describe plot points.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shocking incident" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase to describe an unexpected and disturbing event. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples predominantly from News & Media sources. While versatile, it's important to provide context to clarify why the incident is considered "shocking" and to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives such as "appalling event" or "startling episode" to add nuance. Remember to provide context and details to effectively convey the gravity and impact of the "shocking incident".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appalling event

Replaces "shocking" with "appalling", suggesting a stronger sense of moral outrage or disgust.

outrageous occurrence

Substitutes "shocking" with "outrageous", highlighting the offensive or unacceptable nature of the event.

startling episode

Uses "startling" instead of "shocking", emphasizing the element of surprise or suddenness.

unexpected tragedy

Replaces "incident" with "tragedy", indicating a severe and sorrowful event.

terrible event

Substitutes "shocking" with "terrible", focusing on the distressing or dreadful aspect of the incident.

horrifying situation

Uses "horrifying" to underscore the fear-inducing or dreadful nature of the event.

disturbing occurrence

Replaces "shocking" with "disturbing", highlighting the unsettling or disquieting impact of the event.

surprising situation

Changes "shocking" with "surprising", focusing more on the unexpected aspect, possibly with less negative connotation.

remarkable occurrence

Uses "remarkable" in place of "shocking", emphasizing that the incident is noteworthy or unusual, though not necessarily negative.

unbelievable development

Suggests that the incident is so surprising or strange that it is hard to accept or believe.

FAQs

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

You can use "shocking incident" to describe an event that is surprising and disturbing. For example, "The news of the shocking incident at the school spread quickly through the town".

What can I say instead of "shocking incident"?

You can use alternatives like "appalling event", "outrageous occurrence", or "startling episode" depending on the context.

Is "shocking incident" a formal or informal phrase?

"Shocking incident" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider using more nuanced language depending on the specific audience and tone you wish to convey.

What makes an incident "shocking"?

An incident is considered "shocking" when it violates expectations, causes surprise and often dismay, and has a significant emotional or ethical impact on those who witness or hear about it.