shocking to consider

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shocking to consider" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing surprise or disbelief about a particular idea or fact that is being discussed. Example: "The statistics on climate change are shocking to consider, especially when we think about the future of our planet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It is shocking to consider that his father is charged with inflicting such brutality and suffering on one as young and innocent as his own child," Mr. Brown said last Thursday, before the boy died.

The New York Times

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

It is shocking to consider that consensual sex between men was only decriminalised in Scotland in 1980 and the age of consent for same-sex sexual activity was not equalised for sexual activity between men and women until 2001.

The Guardian

It can be shocking to consider how much of our lives are spent working.

Huffington Post

It's not shocking to consider that self-driving cars will likely make their splash in the commercial sector first.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As representatives of the largest company on the planet, it's not shocking that they need to consider how everything they say could be interpreted both by users and by the market.

TechCrunch

And yes, there was another fumble to consider on the shocking denouement — Jackson's muffing Matt Dodge's punt, which should have been angled toward the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

This disparity is especially shocking when you consider that according to research by the Higher Education Policy Institute there are around 65,000 more boys aged 18 to 20 than girls.

The Guardian

If that sounds shocking, consider this: By forcing people to place a check mark next to "vegetarian" or "carnivore," we're missing the opportunity to encourage people to merely reduce their meat intake.

Huffington Post

She can only exist as a political figure because we allow her to, which is shocking when we consider even a few examples of Bachmann's paranoid world view.

Huffington Post

That's not particularly shocking when you consider that activists tuning in to Rick Santelli's Guerilla Media Network for Bundy Ranch updates were also treated to a particularly abhorrent rant on "Jewish extremism" and "Zio-globalism" from former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shocking to consider" to introduce a statement that is unexpectedly disturbing or unsettling, prompting the reader to pause and reflect on the implications.

Common error

Avoid using "shocking to consider" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic. Opt for simpler alternatives like "hard to believe" or "surprising" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shocking to consider" functions as an introductory expression that sets the stage for presenting a fact or idea that is surprisingly disturbing or unsettling. As seen in Ludwig, this introductory element emphasizes the impact of the information that follows.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shocking to consider" serves as a powerful introductory statement, designed to alert the reader to information that is surprisingly disturbing or unsettling. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical usage is correct, although relatively rare. It is predominantly found in news and media contexts, signaling a neutral register suitable for conveying impactful information. While it effectively emphasizes the gravity of a subject, overuse in informal contexts should be avoided to prevent sounding overly dramatic. Using alternatives like "startling to contemplate" or "alarming to ponder" can provide nuanced options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

startling to contemplate

Emphasizes the sudden and surprising nature of the thought.

alarming to ponder

Highlights the potential danger or risk associated with the consideration.

disturbing to reflect on

Focuses on the unsettling or troubling aspect of the consideration.

frightening to think about

Emphasizes the fear or anxiety induced by the consideration.

astonishing to realize

Highlights the surprise and amazement that comes with understanding something.

unsettling to imagine

Focuses on the discomfort caused by envisioning a particular scenario.

jarring to acknowledge

Highlights the discordant or conflicting nature of the information.

sobering to assess

Emphasizes the serious and thoughtful nature of the consideration.

eye-opening to examine

Highlights the revealing or enlightening aspect of the consideration.

disconcerting to observe

Focuses on the confusing or unsettling nature of the observation.

FAQs

How can I use "shocking to consider" in a sentence?

Use "shocking to consider" to introduce a fact or idea that is surprisingly disturbing or unsettling. For example, "It is shocking to consider the amount of plastic waste in our oceans."

What are some alternatives to "shocking to consider"?

You can use alternatives like "startling to contemplate", "alarming to ponder", or "disturbing to reflect on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "shocking to consider" formal or informal?

"Shocking to consider" leans towards a more formal tone, suitable for news articles, analytical essays, or professional reports. In casual conversation, simpler expressions might be more appropriate.

What makes something "shocking to consider"?

Something is "shocking to consider" when it presents a disturbing or unexpected aspect that forces one to re-evaluate their understanding or assumptions. It often involves confronting unpleasant truths or unexpected negative consequences.