shocking occurrence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shocking occurrence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event that is surprising or disturbing in nature. Example: "The shocking occurrence at the town hall meeting left everyone in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"In closing," he said, "the Court is constrained to observe that this has been a shocking occurrence, the deed of a criminally diseased mind, and it is most unfortunate that some redress cannot be afforded the plaintiff".

The New Yorker

Could these be signs that homophobia is finally becoming a thing of the past; a rare and shocking occurrence, to be publicly shamed with this kind of widespread solidarity?

The Guardian - Arts

It's a shocking occurrence every time: a patient, desperately in need of a hospital bed, dies on a trolley before an empty bed can be found.

BBC

Ours is a murderous culture where killing our leaders is a frequent, not shocking occurrence -- and we steadfastly refuse to recognize it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a moving account of the riot, called "Race War in the North" (Sept . 3 , 1908 Southern white journalist William English Walling called for a revival of the abolitionist spirit to stem the tide of such shocking occurrences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The acting is rich, varied and tinged with a sweetness that allows us to better tolerate some of the more shocking occurrences.

Los Angeles Times

A Stage for the Worst of Times is a miniature theatrical set created by Kaitlyn Schwalje from handcrafted objects and portraits to memorialize shocking occurrences, like The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, the taxidermy of endangered animals, and the disappearance of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370.

Vice

But for my mum it was regular occurrence – as shocking and appalling as it was.

The Guardian - Sport

His complex narratives featured twisting plots, bizarre coincidences, shocking secrets, and supernatural occurrences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shocking moment to shocking moment.

Independent

This is beautiful, but it's kinda sad and somewhat shocking that till this day and year(2017!), occurrences as this may come as an oddity.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shocking occurrence", ensure the context clearly indicates why the event is considered shocking. Provide specific details to enhance the impact and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shocking occurrence" in situations where the event is only mildly surprising. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Opt for a more precise descriptor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocking occurrence" functions as a noun phrase, where "shocking" modifies the noun "occurrence". As Ludwig AI underlines, this combination describes events that are unexpected and profoundly disturbing. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing criminal acts or unexpected deaths.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shocking occurrence" is used to describe an event that is both unexpected and disturbing. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, it's relatively rare. It finds its use across news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. When writing, ensure that the context clearly explains why the occurrence is deemed "shocking" and avoid overuse to maintain impact. Alternatives such as "surprising event" or "startling incident" can be used to provide a nuanced representation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising event

Replaces "shocking" with a more neutral adjective, focusing on the unexpected nature of the event.

startling incident

Uses "startling" to emphasize the sudden and surprising nature of the event, while "incident" is a general term for an event.

unexpected incident

Highlights the unforeseen nature of the incident.

disturbing event

Focuses on the unsettling or troubling aspect of the event rather than its surprising nature.

alarming development

Emphasizes the concerning or worrying nature of the event, suggesting potential negative consequences.

unforeseen circumstance

Highlights the unexpected and impactful nature of the situation.

traumatic experience

Focuses on the emotionally distressing nature of the event.

appalling situation

Emphasizes the shocking and morally offensive nature of the situation.

outrageous episode

Highlights the shocking and unacceptable nature of the event.

unbelievable incident

Highlights how difficult the incident is to believe.

FAQs

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

"Shocking occurrence" is typically used to describe an event that is unexpected and deeply disturbing or upsetting. For example: "The witness described the robbery as a "shocking occurrence" that left her traumatized."

What are some alternatives to "shocking occurrence"?

Alternatives include "surprising event", "startling incident", or "disturbing event". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shocking occurrence" formal or informal?

"Shocking occurrence" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although in very formal writing, you might consider more precise or nuanced alternatives depending on what you want to emphasize.

What makes an event a "shocking occurrence"?

A "shocking occurrence" is characterized by its unexpectedness and its capacity to cause significant emotional or psychological distress. It deviates significantly from what is considered normal or acceptable.