stunned me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stunned me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or shock caused by something unexpected. Example: "The news of her sudden resignation truly stunned me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The screeches stunned me.

The New Yorker

The statement stunned me.

The New Yorker

This stunned me, too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The determination stunned me.

The Guardian - Music

And it stunned me.

The Guardian - Books

He has rather stunned me.

The Guardian - Sport

And Attorney General Ashcroft then stunned me.

The Economist

This stunned me," writes Mr Paulson.

The Economist

"This really stunned me," she added.

The New York Times

"Just how fresh everything was stunned me," Mr. Bonanos said.

The New York Times - Food

Oddly, that was the charge that stunned me most.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stunned me" to express a sudden and significant surprise, often with emotional impact. Ensure the context clearly indicates what caused the surprise.

Common error

Avoid using "stunned me" excessively in very casual conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic in informal settings. Consider simpler alternatives like "surprised me" or "I didn't expect that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stunned me" functions as a verb phrase expressing a reaction of surprise, shock, or disbelief. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It typically connects a subject (often implied or stated) to the experience of being profoundly surprised.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stunned me" is a verb phrase used to express a strong feeling of surprise or shock. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and common, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance and context to ensure it effectively conveys the intended emotion. Alternatives like "shocked me" or "astonished me" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. Understanding the subtle differences in meaning can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shocked me

Replaces "stunned" with a more direct term indicating a strong emotional impact.

astonished me

Indicates a feeling of great surprise and wonder, slightly more positive than "stunned".

amazed me

Implies a feeling of wonder and delight, suggesting a more positive reaction.

dumbfounded me

Suggests a state of being speechless or unable to react due to surprise.

flabbergasted me

Similar to dumbfounded but often implying a more humorous or lighthearted surprise.

surprised me greatly

Emphasizes the extent of the surprise experienced.

took me by surprise

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event or information.

left me speechless

Focuses on the inability to speak as a result of being stunned.

it was a shock to me

Expresses the experience as a sudden and impactful event.

I was taken aback

Indicates a feeling of surprise and slight disorientation.

FAQs

How can I use "stunned me" in a sentence?

Use "stunned me" to express that you were greatly surprised or shocked by something. For example, "His sudden resignation "stunned me"."

What are some alternatives to "stunned me"?

You can use alternatives such as "shocked me", "amazed me", or "astonished me" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "stunned me" in formal writing?

Yes, "stunned me" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing a significant emotional impact. However, consider the overall tone and whether a more nuanced alternative might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "stunned me" and "surprised me"?

"Stunned me" implies a stronger emotional impact and greater surprise than "surprised me". "Stunned" suggests a temporary inability to react or think clearly, whereas "surprised" is a more general term for unexpectedness.