startled

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'startled' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a sudden reaction to being surprised, scared, or shocked. For example, "The loud noise startled the sleeping dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All his new team-mates thought their coach was joking – "You would be hard-pressed to think anything other than that the hair dye had finally seeped into Kevin Squire's brain," one told the North Devon Journal – but, sure enough, Collins bought himself a new pair of boots and featured at No8 against a rather startled Newton Abbot.

The Guardian - Sport

Some real surprises this morning as the Bafta nominations were announced: observers were startled at the non-showing of Mike Leigh's superlative Mr Turner, not even in the best British film category, which found room for Paddington.

The Guardian - Film

The Green candidate knocked on my door at 2pm one Tuesday afternoon, and looked so startled to get a response that she essentially just ran away after about five seconds.

The Guardian

Aardvarks are nocturnal animals so they were wide awake and as startled to see us as we were to see them.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her official car often had to pull into the side on approaching a town, because we were too early and the police escort was not in place, leaving startled citizens wondering what the prime minister was doing in their local layby.

The Guardian

Henry told his startled father he "had to go".

The Guardian - Sport

Campers at the DeGrey River rest area, east of the Western Australian town of Port Hedland in the Pilbar, were startled to be woken in the night by a wild pig.

The Guardian

What really startled tonight was Gordon Brown's sheer, dogged resilience, his ability to put up a decent fight less than 24 hours after the previous day's humiliating rumble in Rochdale.

The Guardian - Opinion

Certainly one American regular who was passing by while I was at reception seemed startled, but approving, of the new look.

The Guardian - Travel

Though slightly startled by her own trajectory, Black is not remotely surprised by the SNP surge.

The Guardian

Back at her Cotswolds cottage, Alex was startled by Ben's behaviour.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startled" when you want to emphasize a sudden reaction to something unexpected, especially when fear or surprise is involved.

Common error

Avoid using "startled" when the situation only involves a mild surprise without any element of fear or shock. Opt for words like "surprised" or "taken aback" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "startled" primarily functions as an adjective describing a state of being surprised or alarmed. It can also function as the past tense or past participle of the verb 'startle'. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "startled" is a versatile term used to describe a sudden feeling of surprise, alarm, or shock. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, its usage extends to Formal & Business, and Scientific domains. When describing mild surprise, consider alternatives like "surprised" or "taken aback". Remember that "startled" implies more than just surprise; it includes an element of shock or fear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprised and frightened

Directly expresses the dual experience of surprise and fear.

surprised

Focuses more on the feeling of surprise rather than the element of fear or shock.

caught off guard

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event causing surprise.

shocked

Emphasizes the impact of an unexpected and often unpleasant event.

taken aback

Highlights a feeling of surprise and slight confusion or bewilderment.

alarmed

Indicates a sense of sudden fear or concern.

astonished

Conveys a strong sense of wonder or disbelief.

spooked

Informal term for being frightened or startled.

flustered

Suggests a state of confusion and agitation.

apprehensive

Indicates a feeling of anxiety or fear about something that might happen.

FAQs

How can I use "startled" in a sentence?

You can use "startled" to describe someone's reaction to a sudden surprise or shock, such as "The loud noise startled the cat."

What is the difference between "startled" and "surprised"?

"Startled" implies a sudden shock or alarm, while "surprised" simply indicates an unexpected event or discovery without necessarily involving fear.

What are some alternatives to using "startled"?

Alternatives to "startled" include "shocked", "alarmed", or "taken aback" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say someone was "startled by" something?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say someone was "startled by" something. For example, "She was startled by the sudden flash of lightning."