startling reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "startling reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a response that is surprising or shocking in nature. Example: "Her startling reply left everyone in the room speechless, as they had not expected such an answer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"He's dead" is the startling reply.

The New Yorker

Her startling reply came quickly: "No one".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

- the reply was startling: "What they will like tomorrow".

The Guardian

The fury of Rice's reply was startling.

The New Yorker

Mr. Trichet also replied sharply, startling others in the room, according to one high-ranking participant, who would speak only anonymously in order to prevent jeopardizing his relationships with other officials.

The New York Times

"I don't need no hall pass," Tatum replies, in a startling and all-too rare critique of monogamy in the modern heterosexual relationship.

Vice

He, in reply, unveils a still startling truth: "There's nothing makes us feel so much alive as to see others die".

The New Yorker

Gold's response is startling.

Independent

The answer is startling.

British Journal of Cancer

Einstein's theory of relativity replied to these ancient questions with three startling predictions: that the Universe is expanding from a Big Bang; that black holes so distort space and time that time stops at their edges; and that a dark energy could be pulling space apart, sending galaxies forever beyond the edge of the visible Universe.

Advances in Space Research

In reply, Judicial Watch says in its brief that the administration is making a "startling bid for effective immunity from judicial process".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "startling reply" when you want to emphasize the unexpected and potentially shocking nature of a response. Ensure the context supports the intensity of the word "startling".

Common error

Avoid using "startling" too frequently in your writing, as it can lose its impact. Consider using synonyms like "surprising" or "unexpected" to add variety and maintain the desired effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "startling reply" functions as a noun phrase, where "startling" modifies the noun "reply". According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. It emphasizes the surprising or shocking nature of the response.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "startling reply" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, according to Ludwig AI, used to describe a response that is unexpectedly shocking or surprising. While relatively rare, its primary context is found in News & Media. To diversify writing, synonyms such as "unexpected response" or "surprising answer" can be used. It's important not to overuse "startling" to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unexpected response

Emphasizes the lack of anticipation for the reply.

surprising answer

Focuses on the content of the answer being unexpected.

shocking response

Highlights the disturbing or offensive nature of the reply.

astonishing answer

Implies a great level of surprise and disbelief.

startling answer

Synonymous, but places slightly more emphasis on the shock factor.

unforeseen response

Underscores that the reply was not predicted or planned for.

sudden retort

Suggests the reply was immediate and perhaps slightly aggressive.

unanticipated reply

Like "unexpected response", but perhaps slightly more formal.

revealing response

Suggests the response exposed something previously unknown.

remarkable answer

Highlights that the answer was noteworthy or significant.

FAQs

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

You can use "startling reply" to describe a response that is unexpectedly shocking or surprising. For example: "Her "startling reply" stunned the audience."

What can I say instead of "startling reply"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected response", "surprising answer", or "shocking response depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "startling reply" formal or informal?

"Startling reply" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it may be more common in news or narrative writing.

What makes a reply "startling"?

A "startling reply" is one that is so unexpected or shocking that it causes surprise or alarm. It often deviates significantly from what was anticipated or considered normal.