startling news

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling news" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to information that is surprising or shocking. Example: "The startling news of the sudden resignation of the CEO left everyone in the office in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The startling news was that this new episode apparently took place last summer, only a few months before Mr. Weiner was to begin another run at public office.

The New York Times

In case you've been living under a rock for the past 24 hours (or entirely engrossed with New York Fashion Week), you've already heard the startling news: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds got married this weekend!

Huffington Post

Today brought startling news.

The New Yorker

This was startling news.

The New York Times - Magazine

Here comes startling news.

The Guardian - Opinion

First there was the startling news of Brexit.

The Guardian

There's some startling news on the sociology front.

The New York Times

Perhaps the most startling news of the day is that golf season has not ended.

The New York Times - Sports

About a decade ago, researchers had some startling news for wine lovers.

The New York Times - Science

Yet Barnes carries on as if she were disclosing startling news to her benighted readers.

The New York Times - Books

Perhaps the most startling news story of the year passed almost unnoticed.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling news" to introduce information that deviates significantly from expectations or established knowledge to immediately capture the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "startling news" too frequently, especially in sensationalized or clickbait headlines, as overuse can diminish its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling news" functions primarily as a noun phrase where the adjective "startling" modifies the noun "news". It describes the quality of the news as being surprising or shocking. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startling news" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to introduce unexpected or shocking information. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase captures attention and emphasizes the significance of new developments. While versatile, it should be used judiciously to avoid diminishing its impact. Alternatives like "surprising information" or "shocking revelation" can provide nuanced variations. Its prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability in conveying impactful announcements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Startling revelation

Uses a synonym to "news" while keeping the adjective, conveying a sense of uncovering hidden information.

Surprising information

Replaces "news" with a more general term, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the information.

Unexpected report

Substitutes "startling" with "unexpected" and "news" with "report", slightly changing the tone.

Shocking revelation

Uses stronger terms to emphasize the shocking nature of the information.

Astonishing announcement

Conveys a sense of great surprise and public dissemination.

Unforeseen development

Highlights the unexpected nature of events as they unfold.

Unbelievable account

Focuses on the incredulity associated with the information being presented.

Remarkable disclosure

Emphasizes the noteworthiness and revealing nature of the information.

Incredible story

Shifts the focus to a narrative format while maintaining the element of surprise.

Sudden development

Highlights the abrupt and unexpected nature of the event.

FAQs

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

You can use "startling news" to introduce unexpected or shocking information. For example: "The "startling news" of the company's bankruptcy sent shockwaves through the industry."

What can I say instead of "startling news"?

You can use alternatives like "surprising information", "shocking revelation", or "unexpected report" depending on the context.

Is "startling news" formal or informal?

"Startling news" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the publication's tone. It is often found in news reports and articles but can also be used in more casual conversations.

What makes news "startling"?

News is considered "startling" when it is unexpected, surprising, and often shocking or impactful. It deviates from the norm and grabs attention due to its unexpected nature.