there were gasps

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "there were gasps" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a reaction of surprise or shock from a group of people in a particular situation. Example: "As the magician revealed his final trick, there were gasps from the audience, astonished by the illusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A reporter in the public gallery said when the sentence was read out, there were gasps among spectators, and one woman clasped her hands over her head.

The Guardian

There were gasps.

The New Yorker

There were gasps and sighs.

The New York Times

There were gasps, then applause.

The New York Times

There were gasps of rage.

The New York Times

There were gasps from the crowd.

The New York Times - Sports

There were gasps in the courtroom.

The New York Times

"There were gasps from the other kids".

The New York Times

There were gasps and laughter in the hearing room.

The Washington Post

There were gasps and chuckles around the courtroom.

The New Yorker

There were gasps when the black cloths were removed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "there were gasps" to vividly depict a moment of collective surprise, shock, or awe in your narrative. This phrase effectively conveys the immediate and often involuntary reaction of a group to an unexpected event or revelation.

Common error

Avoid overusing "there were gasps" as a narrative crutch. While effective, repeated use can dilute its impact. Opt for varied descriptions of reactions, such as describing facial expressions or other audible responses, to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "there were gasps" functions as a descriptive expression, portraying a collective reaction of surprise, shock, or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It serves to vividly depict the immediate response of a group to an unexpected event, as seen in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "there were gasps" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe a collective reaction of surprise, shock, or awe. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is descriptive, vividly conveying the emotional atmosphere of a moment. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase is suitable for a neutral register and effectively immerses audiences in the narrative. While powerful, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative expressions to maintain narrative freshness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

audible gasps were heard

Specifies that the gasps were clearly heard, emphasizing the audibility of the reaction.

a collective gasp arose

Highlights that the gasp was a unified reaction from a group.

a wave of gasps rippled through the crowd

Emphasizes the spread of the reaction throughout the audience.

the crowd gasped in unison

Stresses the synchronicity of the audience's reaction.

shocked breaths were taken

Focuses on the physical act of gasping, highlighting the shock element.

astonishment filled the air

Shifts the focus from the sound to the overall atmosphere of surprise.

a murmur of surprise spread

Implies a quieter, less intense reaction compared to gasps.

the audience was taken aback

Indicates a general state of surprise without specifying a sound.

a palpable tension arose

Focuses on the tension created by a shocking event.

silence fell upon the room

Highlights the sudden quiet that follows a shocking revelation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "there were gasps" in a sentence?

Use "there were gasps" to illustrate a sudden, collective reaction to something surprising or shocking. For example, "When the verdict was announced, "there were gasps" from the courtroom spectators."

What are some alternatives to using "there were gasps"?

Consider alternatives like "audible gasps were heard", "the crowd gasped", or "a collective gasp arose" for varied descriptions of surprise.

Is "there were gasps" considered formal or informal language?

"There were gasps" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone of the writing.

Can "there were gasps" be used to describe a reaction to something positive?

Yes, "there were gasps" can describe reactions to positive surprises as well. For example, "At the unveiling of the award, "there were gasps" of excitement."