this is very shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"This is very shocking.

The Guardian

This is very shocking to me.

The New York Times - Arts

This is very shocking and very upsetting".

The New York Times

Mohammed Islam, a family friend and community leader, said: "This is very shocking.

The Guardian

I don't see why this is very shocking to most people—I feel like it is pretty well known that students often lie in a variety of situations.

The New York Times

We are from a land of Sufi saints... this is very shocking for us," school teacher Hifza Bibi, the step-sister of Malik's father, who also lives in Karor Lal Esan told Reuters.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It is very shocking, this never-ending affront by Congress," the newspaper quoted the employee as saying.

The New York Times

Some of it is very shocking.

The Guardian - Books

"That is very shocking and we wish him well.

Independent

Yesterday's decision is very shocking, very painful and very unpredictable to us.

The New York Times

Mr. Seacrest posted: "There is a result tonight on 'American Idol' that some would say is very shocking".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, contextualize your usage of "this is very shocking" by immediately following it with an explanation of what you are reacting to. This provides a clearer understanding of the cause of your shock or disbelief.

Common error

Avoid using "this is very shocking" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Instead, vary your expressions with synonyms like "this is completely unexpected" or "this is utterly appalling", depending on the specific context and intensity of your reaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is very shocking" primarily functions as an exclamatory statement. It is used to express a strong emotional reaction, specifically surprise, disbelief, or dismay, in response to unexpected or disturbing information. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is very shocking" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase employed to express strong surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While commonly found in news and media, it is advisable to use synonyms in more formal contexts to prevent overuse. The phrase serves to communicate immediate emotional responses and can be customized using varied language while keeping context and intensity in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I find this absolutely shocking

Shifts the focus to a personal expression of shock.

I'm taken aback by this

Expresses being surprised and slightly confused or disconcerted.

This is utterly appalling

Emphasizes moral outrage in addition to shock.

This is beyond belief

Expresses disbelief due to the extreme nature of the situation.

This is completely unexpected

Focuses on the unforeseen nature of the event, rather than the emotional reaction.

This is truly astonishing

Highlights the amazement and wonder associated with the event.

This is rather alarming

Highlights the potentially dangerous or worrying nature of the situation.

This is incredibly surprising

Uses a less intense adjective to express mild surprise.

This is quite disconcerting

Indicates that the news is unsettling and disturbing.

This news is devastating

Conveys the severely damaging or tragic nature of the news.

FAQs

What does "this is very shocking" mean?

The phrase "this is very shocking" expresses a strong feeling of surprise, disbelief, or dismay in response to something unexpected or disturbing.

When is it appropriate to say "this is very shocking"?

It's appropriate to say "this is very shocking" when you encounter news, events, or information that significantly deviates from your expectations or standards, causing you to feel surprised or disturbed. It is best used when you want to immediately express your reaction.

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

You can use alternatives like "this is truly astonishing", "I find this absolutely shocking", or "this is completely unexpected" depending on the context and the specific emotion you want to convey.

Is "this is very shocking" formal or informal?

"This is very shocking" is generally considered neutral in tone, suitable for both informal conversations and some formal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives to convey surprise or disbelief.