startled as much

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startled as much" is not correct in standard written English.
It can be used when comparing the degree of surprise experienced by someone, but it typically requires additional context or a comparative structure to be clear. Example: "She was startled as much by the sudden noise as by the unexpected visitor."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

MPs may have been startled, as much as anything, by the spectacle of a resignation on principle from the party of shift and spin.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

After transportation officials in Ohio created a system to monitor work-zone crashes in real time, they were startled to discover that the presence of construction caused accident rates to jump as much as 70percentt, Mr. Holstein said.

The New York Times

I myself was as startled as everyone else, though not offended, and I thought Your Highness was funny and much underrated.

The Guardian - Film

He looked almost as startled as I was.

The New York Times

The keeper was as startled as he was stranded.

The New York Times - Sports

I was startled as this doctor pulled back the curtain.

The New York Times - Health

And most observers were startled as Playfish had not looked like it wanted an early exit by any stretch.

TechCrunch

I heard the words in my head and was as startled as delighted.

Huffington Post

Fashion kids looked startled as they fervently tried to image search who the crazy man was.

Vice

My parents had separated, of course, startled nearly as much by what I had done as by what they themselves had been doing all along.

The New York Times - Books

And though I'm reluctant tell you how "Shining City" ended, allow me to say that the first time I saw it – at the Royal Court Theater in London – the play's final image startled me as much as anything from "Psycho".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternatives like "equally startled" or "just as startled" for more grammatically standard phrasing.

Common error

Avoid using "startled as much" without completing the comparative clause. Saying "He was startled as much" lacks context and may sound incomplete. Instead, clarify by adding what he was startled by, such as "He was startled as much as she was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startled as much" functions as part of a comparative construction, indicating a degree of surprise equivalent to something else. However, according to Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness is disputed unless used within a complete comparative structure.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "startled as much" appears in various sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not considered grammatically correct in standard English without a comparative element. It expresses surprise or shock and is used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity and correctness, it's best to use alternatives like "equally startled" or "just as startled", especially in formal writing. Make sure the sentence presents a comparison for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

equally startled

Emphasizes the same level of surprise.

just as startled

Indicates an equivalent level of surprise.

similarly surprised

Highlights a comparable feeling of surprise.

as taken aback

Focuses on the reaction of being surprised or shocked.

as shocked

Directly conveys a feeling of shock.

no less surprised

Emphasizes that the level of surprise was not lower.

as astonished

Highlights a feeling of great surprise or amazement.

to the same extent surprised

Formally specifies that the degree of surprise is identical.

with equal surprise

Focuses on the equality of the surprise experienced.

as much surprised

Highlights a high grade of surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "startled as much" correctly in a sentence?

To use "startled as much" correctly, ensure it is part of a comparative structure. For instance, "She was "equally startled" by the sound as she was by the sight."

What are some alternatives to saying "startled as much"?

Alternatives include "equally startled", "just as startled", or "similarly surprised". The best choice depends on the specific context and intended emphasis.

Is "startled as much" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "startled as much" isn't considered standard English without a comparative element. It's better to use phrases like "equally startled" for improved clarity.

When should I avoid using the phrase "startled as much"?

Avoid using "startled as much" if the sentence lacks a clear comparison. Without the comparison, the sentence might sound incomplete or grammatically awkward. Use phrases like "very startled" or "extremely surprised" instead.