startled me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startled me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a sudden shock or surprise that you experienced due to an unexpected event or action. Example: "The loud crash from the kitchen startled me, making me jump in my seat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Then, coming from not far down the canal, a voice startled me.

Vice

Then something startled me.

The New York Times

It startled me.

The New Yorker

Her answer startled me.

The New York Times

Its beauty startled me.

The New York Times - Travel

You startled me.

The New Yorker

My tone startled me.

The New Yorker

"They startled me".

The New York Times - Sports

The reaction of the staff startled me.

Independent

"Goodness, you startled me," she said.

The New Yorker

A flopping noise startled me.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "surprised me" or "shocked me" depending on the intensity of the surprise.

Common error

While "startled me" is generally acceptable, it can sound less formal. In academic or professional writing, consider using alternatives like "surprised me" or "astonished me" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startled me" functions as a verb phrase where "startled" is the past tense of the verb "startle", and "me" is the object pronoun. According to Ludwig, it correctly expresses the action of something causing a sudden surprise or shock to the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "startled me" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a sudden surprise or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives like "surprised me" or "astonished me" in academic or professional settings. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "startled me" in your writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprised me

A direct synonym, indicating a feeling of surprise.

shocked me

Implies a stronger reaction of surprise, often due to something unpleasant or unexpected.

gave me a fright

More informal, suggesting a sudden scare.

caught me off guard

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event.

took me by surprise

Similar to 'caught me off guard', but emphasizes the action.

made me jump

Focuses on the physical reaction to being startled.

threw me for a loop

More colloquial, indicating confusion and surprise.

stunned me

Suggests a temporary inability to react due to surprise.

astonished me

Indicates a high degree of surprise and wonder.

alarmed me

Implies that the surprise caused worry or fear.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "startled me"?

You can use alternatives like "surprised me", "shocked me", or "astonished me" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "startled me" grammatically correct?

Yes, "startled me" is grammatically correct. It uses the past tense of the verb "startle" correctly.

How can I use "startled me" in a sentence?

You can use "startled me" to describe a situation where something unexpected caused you a sudden surprise or shock. For example: "The sudden noise startled me."

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

"Startled me" typically implies a more sudden and potentially jarring surprise, while "surprised me" can refer to a milder and less abrupt form of surprise.