startling experience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling experience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event or situation that is surprising or shocking in nature. Example: "The sudden thunderstorm during our picnic was a startling experience that left us all in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's a startling experience.

The Guardian - Arts

Seeing one's self as a statistic can be a startling experience.

The Washington Post

Surely the technology could be used to generate a more startling experience.

The New York Times - Arts

I remember a startling experience at the beginning of the Conservative party's first term in office in 1979, right after we had campaigned and won on a platform stressing enterprise, the free market, and less state involvement in industry.

Harvard Business Review

He had a gift for inspired juxapositions: no one who was there will forget the startling experience that was hearing Barry's rebarbative, violent Chevaux-de-frise alongside Morton Feldman's soft, almost stationary work Coptic Light in 2002.

The Guardian

"It was a pretty startling experience, obviously, but I guess the shorthand on Seattle is that we're shaken but not stirred," said Walt Crowley, a local author and executive director of a Web site on Seattle history, historylink.org.org

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He has no plans yet for a new novel, but there is the memoir, perhaps, and a lifetime of startling experiences.

The New York Times - Books

Coming across this bloody, blazing vision of human cruelty – the sea is horrifically full of drowning, chained up slaves – was one of the most startling experiences I've ever had in an art gallery.

The Guardian - Arts

Mendelsohn begins his account with a startling childhood experience: at gatherings of his extended family, many of them survivors of the massacred Jewish community of Bolechow, Poland (now Ukraine), "it would occasionally happen that I would walk into a room and certain people would begin to cry".

The New York Times - Books

Brazil's World Cup dress rehearsal, the Confederations Cup, is full of startling new experiences: unfamiliar new stadiums, different teams, and even the Brazilian population throwing off their customary passivity in a wave of protests.

BBC

At such moments, out of the seed of a narrative idea the startling texture of experience is born.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and choose a synonym if "startling" is too strong for the intended tone. Options like "surprising" or "unexpected" may be more appropriate in certain situations.

Common error

Avoid using "startling experience" to describe everyday minor surprises. Reserve it for events that genuinely cause a significant emotional or mental jolt. For lesser surprises, consider using "interesting" or "unexpected".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling experience" functions as a noun phrase, where "startling" modifies the noun "experience". It describes the type of experience, indicating it was sudden and surprising. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and commonly found in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startling experience" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe a moment of unexpected surprise or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and the phrase appears across various contexts, from news and media to academia and science. When using "startling experience", be mindful of the intensity you wish to convey, and consider synonyms like "shocking encounter" or "surprising event" if a less intense term is needed. Avoid using "startling" for minor surprises to maintain the phrase's impact and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shocking encounter

Replaces "experience" with a more intense term, emphasizing the sudden and upsetting nature of the event.

surprising event

Substitutes "startling" with "surprising", indicating a less intense level of shock but still unexpected.

sudden awakening

Focuses on the abrupt and revelatory aspect of the experience.

eye-opening moment

Highlights the aspect of gaining new understanding or perspective from the experience.

unexpected revelation

Emphasizes the revealing and unforeseen nature of the experience.

jarring realization

Highlights the disruptive and unsettling nature of the realization.

disconcerting incident

Focuses on the unsettling and potentially worrying aspect of the event.

astonishing occurrence

Emphasizes the amazement and wonder associated with the event.

remarkable episode

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy nature of the experience.

unsettling encounter

Highlights the disturbing nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "startling experience" in a sentence?

Use "startling experience" to describe a moment that is surprisingly shocking or alarming. For example, "Witnessing the car accident was a "startling experience" that I will never forget."

What are some alternatives to "startling experience"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "startling experience" include "shocking encounter", "surprising event", or "jarring realization".

Is it better to say "startling experience" or "shocking experience"?

Both "startling experience" and "shocking experience" are correct, but "shocking experience" implies a more intense emotional impact. The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of surprise or alarm you want to convey.

What makes an experience qualify as a "startling experience"?

A "startling experience" involves a sudden, unexpected event that causes a significant jolt of surprise, fear, or alarm. It's more intense than a simple surprise and often leaves a lasting impression.