startling moment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling moment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected or shocking event that captures attention or evokes strong emotions. Example: "The startling moment when the lights went out left everyone in the audience in stunned silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was a startling moment".

The Guardian

McDonough called it "the most startling moment of the day".

The New York Times - Sports

The most startling moment involves a tractor being repossessed.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Yet, near the end, there's a startling moment.

The New Yorker

It's a startling moment, one of many across the work.

The New Yorker

After years following EU farm policy, this was a startling moment.

The Economist

It's a startling moment shot in pastiche Hitchcock-style, cross-cutting between Hitch and his prey.

Independent

Gunplay aside, the concert's most startling moment was its new take on "Like a Virgin," a hit from 1984.

The New York Times - Arts

As I looked and listened, the literal met the abstract to create a startling moment of stillness.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This kind of startling moment-by-moment clarity is part of what "Agon" is about.

The New York Times - Arts

This produces some startling moments.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling moment" to effectively capture a reader's attention when describing an event that is surprising, shocking, or unexpected within your narrative.

Common error

Avoid pairing "startling moment" with redundant adjectives such as "very" or "absolutely". The phrase itself already conveys a high degree of surprise or shock. Instead, focus on describing the specific details that made the moment startling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling moment" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "startling" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "moment". It describes a specific instance or point in time characterized by its surprising or shocking nature, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Arts

23%

Books

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startling moment" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to highlight an event marked by surprise or shock, predominantly within news, arts, and literary contexts. While versatile, it's best employed with descriptive details rather than redundant adjectives. Alternative expressions, such as "astounding moment" or "surprising event", offer nuanced variations depending on the specific context and desired emphasis. Given its wide usage and clear communicative function, "startling moment" remains a valuable tool for writers aiming to capture attention and convey impactful events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

astounding moment

Emphasizes the level of surprise as being greatly impressive or shocking.

surprising event

Replaces "moment" with "event", broadening the scope from a brief instance to a more extended occurrence.

shocking instance

Focuses on the disturbing or offensive nature of the event, highlighting its capacity to cause outrage or disbelief.

unexpected occurrence

Highlights the unforeseen nature of the event, emphasizing that it was not anticipated or predicted.

remarkable happening

Stresses the unusual and noteworthy character of the event, suggesting it is deserving of attention and admiration.

notable development

Emphasizes the significance and importance of the event, often in a context of progress or change.

striking revelation

Highlights the act of uncovering or disclosing something previously unknown, emphasizing its impact and potential to alter perceptions.

sudden turn of events

Focuses on the abrupt and unexpected shift in circumstances, suggesting a significant change in direction or outcome.

dramatic episode

Emphasizes the theatrical or emotional intensity of the event, suggesting it is filled with suspense, conflict, or excitement.

unforeseen incident

Highlights the accidental or unplanned nature of the event, often implying a negative or disruptive impact.

FAQs

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

You can use "startling moment" to describe an unexpected or shocking event. For example, "The most "startling moment" of the film was when the protagonist revealed their true identity."

What can I say instead of "startling moment"?

You can use alternatives like "astounding moment", "surprising event", or "shocking instance" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "startling moment" or "startled moment"?

"Startling moment" describes the event itself as surprising, while "startled moment" would describe a moment when someone was startled. Therefore, ""startling moment"" is used more frequently to describe an unexpected event.

What's the difference between "startling moment" and "surprising moment"?

While both describe unexpected events, ""startling moment"" implies a greater degree of shock or surprise than "surprising moment". A "startling moment" is more likely to cause a strong reaction.