this is shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is shocking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief about a situation or information that is unexpected or disturbing. Example: "After hearing the news about the scandal, I must say, this is shocking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

So this is shocking.

The New York Times

"This is shocking.

The New York Times

And this is shocking.

Cornell University

I said, 'This is shocking.

The Guardian - Music

Liliane Lijn is the lone woman; this is shocking.

The Guardian - Arts

For the core of the former Ma Bell, this is shocking.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

This was shocking.

The New York Times

I thought this was shocking.

The New York Times

To many, this was shocking.

The New York Times

I tell you this was shocking.

The New York Times

This industry is shocking.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is shocking" to express surprise or disbelief in response to unexpected or disturbing information. Ensure the context clearly indicates what is causing the shock.

Common error

Avoid using "this is shocking" in situations where mild surprise or disagreement is more appropriate. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact when a truly shocking event occurs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is shocking" functions as an expressive statement, conveying a strong emotional reaction of surprise, disbelief, or outrage. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's often used to highlight the unexpected and disturbing nature of a situation or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is shocking" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to convey strong surprise, disbelief, or outrage. Ludwig AI validates this, supported by numerous examples from diverse and authoritative sources, predominantly from News & Media. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase judiciously, avoiding overuse in situations where a milder expression of surprise is more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "this is surprising" or "this is unbelievable" depending on the specific context and intended emotional impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's unbelievable

Replaces "this is shocking" with a more direct expression of disbelief.

that's appalling

Conveys a stronger sense of moral outrage than "this is shocking".

this is outrageous

Emphasizes the unacceptable nature of something.

I can't believe it

Expresses personal disbelief or astonishment.

that's astonishing

Highlights the surprising and remarkable nature of something.

this is unexpected

Focuses on the element of surprise.

this is hard to believe

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true.

it's simply incredible

Emphasizes the extraordinary or unbelievable nature of something.

that's quite a surprise

A more understated way of expressing surprise.

I find this hard to swallow

Expresses difficulty in accepting or believing something.

FAQs

How can I use "this is shocking" in a sentence?

Use "this is shocking" to express strong surprise or disbelief about something unexpected or disturbing. For example, "After hearing the details of the scandal, "this is shocking"".

What are some alternatives to saying "this is shocking"?

You can use alternatives like "this is surprising", "this is unbelievable", or "this is outrageous" depending on the level of surprise and context.

When is it appropriate to use "this is shocking"?

It is appropriate to use "this is shocking" when you encounter something truly unexpected, disturbing, or morally wrong. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences or disagreements.

Is there a difference between "this is shocking" and "this is surprising"?

Yes, "this is shocking" conveys a stronger sense of disbelief, outrage, or moral offense compared to "this is surprising", which simply indicates something unexpected. The former implies a negative emotional impact, while the latter is more neutral.