taken aback

USAGE SUMMARY

"taken aback" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that means to be surprised or shocked. For example, "I was taken aback when my boss called for a meeting on a Sunday afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was taken aback.

The New York Times

Molina was taken aback.

The New York Times

Givental was taken aback.

The New Yorker

He seemed taken aback.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was taken aback.

The New York Times

Pearl was taken aback.

The New Yorker

He was taken aback.

The New Yorker

People were taken aback".

The New York Times - Sports

Elizabeth was taken aback.

The New Yorker

Fay is taken aback.

The New Yorker

Snook was taken aback.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taken aback" to express a mild to moderate level of surprise or shock. It's suitable when someone is momentarily stunned or caught off guard by something unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "taken aback" for extremely traumatic or devastating events. The phrase suggests a temporary surprise, not a profound emotional impact. Use stronger terms like "devastated" or "traumatized" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taken aback" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of surprise or shock. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing people's reactions to unexpected events or statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taken aback" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that effectively conveys a sense of surprise or mild shock. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and well-suited for describing reactions to unexpected events. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various communication styles. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, such as "surprised" for a general sense of astonishment or "shocked" for a more intense reaction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

surprised

A more direct and simple synonym for feeling startled or astonished.

astonished

Implies a greater level of surprise, bordering on disbelief.

caught by surprise

Emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event causing surprise.

shocked

Suggests a more intense and often negative reaction of surprise.

caught off guard

Describes being surprised because of a lack of preparation.

startled

Indicates a sudden and unexpected surprise.

surprised to learn

Highlights the acquisition of unexpected information.

amazed

Focuses on the feeling of wonder and astonishment.

flabbergasted

Suggests being utterly amazed and bewildered.

stunned

Implies a temporary inability to react due to surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "taken aback" in a sentence?

You can use "taken aback" to describe someone's reaction to something unexpected. For example, "I was "taken aback" by his sudden announcement" or "She seemed "taken aback" by the question".

What's a good alternative to "taken aback"?

Alternatives to "taken aback" include "surprised", "astonished", or "caught off guard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "take aback" instead of "taken aback"?

No, "take aback" is the verb phrase. "Taken aback" is the past participle form used as an adjective. For example, "I was "taken aback"" is correct, while "I was take aback" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "taken aback" and "shocked"?

"Taken aback" implies a momentary surprise or mild shock, while "shocked" suggests a stronger, more intense emotional reaction. "Taken aback" is generally less severe than "shocked".