that was astounding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was astounding" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express amazement or surprise about something that has happened or been said. Example: "The performance was so captivating that I couldn't help but exclaim, 'That was astounding!'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

We thought that was astounding.

Science Magazine

It wasn't just Chaplin's ethereal, plangent voice that won me over: Hopes and Fears is an unequivocally great album – not a dud track and with a melodic generosity that was astounding in contemporary British rock.

The Guardian - Music

I thought that was astounding".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In my combined travels as an entrepreneur, I have seen an evolution in the last 10 years that is astounding.

TechCrunch

And despite what I keep hearing from others – these are not content "hit businesses" they are "content production platforms" that are producing scale like I've never seen and at a cost structure that is astounding.

TechCrunch

We know by now that art has no boundaries, but sometimes you can't help but be surprised by the innovations coming in from around the world, whether it's the work itself or the innovative processes that are astounding.

Vice

I thought, that's astounding.

The New York Times

Neither did Petacchi, and that is astounding.

The New York Times - Sports

"But they're not saying, 'I'm not going to church anymore.' They're saying, 'I'm going to do something.' That is astounding.

The New York Times

It's not the type of new developments that are coming out, but rather the pace that these developments are being produced that's astounding.

TechCrunch

Scheer: That is astounding.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that was astounding" to express genuine surprise or admiration when encountering something unexpected or exceptional.

Common error

Avoid using "that was astounding" for ordinary events, as it can sound hyperbolic and insincere. Reserve it for truly remarkable or surprising occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was astounding" primarily functions as an exclamatory expression. It conveys a strong sense of surprise, wonder, or admiration about something. As Ludwig indicates, it is a valid and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science & Research

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that was astounding" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express strong surprise or admiration. Ludwig's analysis confirms that it's suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. While versatile, it's most effective when used to describe truly remarkable or unexpected events, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives like "that was remarkable" or "that was incredible" can offer similar sentiments with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that was remarkable

Emphasizes the unusual or noteworthy nature of something.

that was incredible

Suggests disbelief or astonishment at something's size, scale, or impact.

that was astonishing

Highlights the unexpected and surprising nature of an event or observation.

that was impressive

Conveys admiration for a skill, achievement, or quality.

that was extraordinary

Indicates something beyond the ordinary, exceptional in quality or nature.

that was mind-blowing

Informal expression indicating something that is overwhelming or difficult to comprehend.

that was stunning

Emphasizes the beauty or visual impact of something.

that was phenomenal

Highlights the exceptional or outstanding character of something.

that was unbelievable

Suggests the incredibility of a situation, often implying surprise or disbelief.

that was exceptional

Highlights the deviation from the norm in a positive or superior direction.

FAQs

How can I use "that was astounding" in a sentence?

You can use "that was astounding" to express great surprise or admiration. For example, "The magician's final trick was so impressive; "that was astounding"!"

What are some alternatives to "that was astounding"?

Alternatives include "that was remarkable", "that was incredible", or "that was astonishing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "that was astounding" formal or informal?

"That was astounding" falls in a neutral to slightly formal register. It can be used in professional settings but is also appropriate for everyday conversation.

What's the difference between "that was astounding" and "that was amazing"?

"Astounding" implies a greater level of surprise or wonder than "amazing". While both convey positive sentiment, "astounding" suggests something more unexpected and remarkable. You can also consider using alternatives such as "that was stunning" or "that was impressive".