startling discovery

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling discovery" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an unexpected or surprising finding, often in a scientific or investigative context. Example: "The researchers made a startling discovery that could change our understanding of the disease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 2007, they announced a startling discovery.

The New Yorker

CICIG investigators then made an even more startling discovery.

The New Yorker

But one day he made a startling discovery.

The Guardian

Had made startling discovery theatre and studio not same.

The New Yorker

KHARTOUM, Sudan — It was September 2008 and a band of Somali pirates made a startling discovery.

The New York Times

One startling discovery was that the sea is actually a kind of desert.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then she makes another startling discovery: her arrival has been prophesied.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This startling discovery has just been revealed by the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.

The Guardian - Arts

Not quite a newcomer (she sang with Irish band Elephant), Ireton is nonetheless a startling discovery.

The Guardian - Music

On the way, he stopped at Starbucks and made a startling discovery.

The New York Times

Another startling discovery, Zhe Chen, 21, bases her work on self-mutilation.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "startling discovery" with strong verbs that convey impact, such as "revealed", "uncovered", or "exposed", to amplify the sense of surprise and significance.

Common error

Avoid using "startling discovery" when the finding is a logical or predictable outcome of an investigation. Reserve it for genuinely surprising or unexpected results to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling discovery" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'startling' modifies the noun 'discovery'. It describes a finding or realization that is unexpectedly surprising or remarkable. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "startling discovery" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an unexpected or surprising finding. According to Ludwig AI, it's deemed correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, its purpose is to highlight the element of surprise and significance. To enhance your writing, ensure the context emphasizes why the discovery is indeed startling, and avoid using it for predictable outcomes. Alternatives such as "surprising revelation" or "unexpected finding" can be used to vary your language while maintaining the essence of the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprising revelation

Emphasizes the act of something being revealed, highlighting the unexpected nature of the information.

unexpected finding

Focuses on the element of surprise in the result or outcome of a search or investigation.

remarkable revelation

Highlights the noteworthiness and significance of the revealed information.

astonishing finding

Stresses the amazement and disbelief associated with the discovered information.

unforeseen discovery

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation or predictability in the finding.

unpredicted finding

Similar to unforeseen discovery, but more directly suggests that the outcome was not predicted.

amazing revelation

Emphasizes the impressive or wonderful quality of the revealed information.

shocking revelation

Highlights the element of shock or surprise associated with what has been made known.

groundbreaking finding

Focuses on the innovative and potentially revolutionary nature of the discovery.

significant revelation

Emphasizes the importance and impact of the information being disclosed.

FAQs

What makes a discovery "startling"?

A discovery is considered "startling" when it is unexpected, surprising, and often challenges existing knowledge or assumptions. It evokes a sense of surprise or wonder.

What can I say instead of "startling discovery"?

You can use alternatives like "surprising revelation", "unexpected finding", or "remarkable revelation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "startling discovery" in formal writing?

Yes, "startling discovery" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, investigative, or journalistic contexts. It effectively conveys a sense of surprise and significance.

How does "startling discovery" differ from "significant finding"?

"Startling discovery" emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of a finding, while "significant finding" highlights its importance or impact. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.