shocking statement

USAGE SUMMARY

"shocking statement" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe a statement that is shocking or unexpected. For example, "The CEO's statement that the company would be cutting most of its employees was a shocking statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

That's a pretty shocking statement, he says.

The Guardian

The more you think about it, it is a shocking statement from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Guardian - Sport

Former home secretary Jack Straw called it the most shocking statement he had heard in the Commons.

The Guardian - Opinion

The atmosphere was muted, sombre, until he came out with another shocking statement, this man held to have successfully manipulated all around him for so many years.

The Guardian

"This is a shocking statement that acknowledges that you would be willing to give an order preventing employee whistle-blowers from making disclosures to Congress," he wrote.

The New York Times

"The grove is lacking that disruptive, shocking statement that something awful happened here, and we need you to pay attention to that," one man says at a meeting of the group that oversees the site.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

I read him more and more shocking statements.

Independent

In one of the most shocking statements of his campaign (a high bar), Trump seemed to defend Putin allegedly ordering the murder of journalists.

The New Yorker

Khap panchayats, which predate India's constitution by centuries, have recently been under the microscope after a series of rapes in Haryana were followed by shocking statements from khap members that seemed to blame women for the crime.

The New York Times

Unlike in the Republican primaries, when Trump's serial untruths and shocking statements had little effect on his political standing, the damage in the general election has been swift and severe.

The New Yorker

A large part of Ricci's early reputation came from what she would say during interviews; self-consciously shocking statements such as, "I'm not afraid to die" and, "It's such a natural thing to have sex with [your parents]." Although she says now, "I don't think anything I said was really dark.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shocking statement", ensure the context clearly indicates why the statement is considered shocking to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shocking statement" for mildly surprising or slightly controversial remarks. Reserve it for truly egregious or unexpected declarations to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocking statement" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "shocking" modifies the noun "statement". It identifies a particular kind of statement characterized by its capacity to cause surprise, outrage, or disbelief. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shocking statement" is a common phrase used to describe declarations that are surprisingly offensive, disturbing, or unexpected. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples, predominantly from News & Media. While the phrase itself is neutral, its impact is significant. When employing "shocking statement", be sure to assess the degree of surprise and intensity, and reserve this phrase for instances that genuinely warrant such a descriptor. Alternatives such as "outrageous statement" or "astonishing statement" can be used to fine-tune the expression's nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outrageous statement

Emphasizes the morally offensive nature of the statement.

scandalous statement

Highlights the potential for public disgrace or damage to reputation.

staggering statement

Focuses on the overwhelming or astonishing effect of the statement.

astonishing statement

Similar to staggering but with a stronger emphasis on surprise.

startling statement

Implies a sudden and unexpected revelation.

disturbing statement

Highlights the unsettling or concerning nature of the statement.

alarming statement

Focuses on the potential danger or risk associated with the statement.

terrible statement

Emphasizes the negative impact or consequences of the statement.

horrendous statement

Similar to terrible, but with a stronger emphasis on the severity of the impact.

unbelievable statement

Focuses on the incredulity caused by the statement.

FAQs

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

You can use "shocking statement" to describe a statement that causes surprise or outrage. For example, "The politician's admission was a "shocking statement" that cost him the election."

What are some alternatives to "shocking statement"?

Alternatives include "outrageous statement", "scandalous statement", or "astonishing statement", each emphasizing a different aspect of the statement's impact.

Is it always negative to call something a "shocking statement"?

While typically negative, a "shocking statement" can sometimes be used to describe a surprising revelation that is ultimately positive, though this is less common. The context is key to understanding the intended connotation.

What makes a statement "shocking"?

A statement is "shocking" if it violates accepted norms, contradicts expectations, or reveals something previously unknown in a surprising or disturbing way. It often evokes strong emotional reactions.