they shuddered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they shuddered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical reaction to fear, disgust, or a strong emotional response. Example: "As the horror movie reached its climax, they shuddered in their seats, unable to look away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

They shuddered; they stamped.

The New Yorker

When they found out their inquisitor was from The Guardian, they shuddered and refused to give their surnames.

The Guardian

They shuddered at those plans' skimpy benefits or high deductibles, and thought: quite a lot of those people are outsiders who do not realise it.

The Economist

And centuries ago when peasants on the lonely shores of Ireland saw the long swells that herald a storm rolling in upon their coasts, they shuddered and talked of death waves.

The New Yorker

As they shuddered and juddered, pulsing water around the house, it made me think of what the doctor had described as the "uterine material" that had been pulsing within me.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They'll never sell it, will they?" A squat staircase crawled up one wall from the varnished parquet in the hall; at the top, three bedrooms opened off a landing, along with a toilet and a bathroom whose stains they shuddered at, half guessing them.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Now, they shudder".

The New York Times

"They shudder and shake their heads.

The Guardian

They shudder at the thought of becoming bitter or cynical.

The New Yorker

They shudder at warning signs of the unfathomable new.

The New Yorker

Britons, they shudder, will not wear a relaxation of the immigration rules.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they shuddered" to vividly describe a character's physical reaction to something frightening, disgusting, or deeply unsettling. It adds a layer of emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "they shuddered" in contexts where a more subtle or nuanced reaction is appropriate. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact, especially in less dramatic situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they shuddered" functions as a narrative device to convey a sudden, involuntary physical response, indicating fear, revulsion, or cold. Ludwig examples show its use in describing reactions to unpleasant sights, thoughts, or situations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they shuddered" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a sudden physical reaction to fear, disgust, or cold. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts, adding a vivid emotional layer to narratives. While effective, it should be used judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. Alternatives such as "they trembled" or "they recoiled" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they trembled

Replaces "shuddered" with a synonym indicating a shaking motion, often due to fear or cold. Less intense than shuddered.

they recoiled

Indicates a movement away from something unpleasant or frightening, focusing on the reaction of avoidance.

they quaked

Suggests a more violent shaking or trembling, often associated with intense fear or anticipation.

they cringed

Emphasizes a physical reaction of discomfort or embarrassment, rather than fear.

a chill went down their spines

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the physical sensation of fear or unease.

they felt a shiver

A milder expression, indicating a slight trembling or sensation of cold.

they were horrified

Focuses on the feeling of intense shock and disgust, rather than the physical reaction.

they were appalled

Emphasizes the feeling of moral outrage or disgust.

they drew back in disgust

Highlights the action of physically withdrawing due to strong aversion.

they felt a sudden dread

Focuses on the feeling of intense fear or apprehension that overcomes them.

FAQs

How can I use "they shuddered" in a sentence?

Use "they shuddered" to describe a physical reaction to a sudden feeling of cold, fear, or disgust. For example, "As the ghost appeared, "they shuddered" in terror."

What are some alternatives to "they shuddered"?

You can use alternatives like "they trembled", "they recoiled", or "they cringed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they shuddered"?

Yes, "they shuddered" is grammatically correct. "They" is a plural pronoun, and "shuddered" is the past tense of the verb "shudder", forming a complete and valid sentence structure.

What's the difference between "they shuddered" and "they shivered"?

"They shuddered" usually implies a stronger emotional or visceral reaction, such as fear or disgust, while "they shivered" typically refers to a reaction to cold.