thrown by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrown by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is commonly used as a phrasal verb meaning to "startle or surprise (someone) suddenly and unexpectedly." For example, "The loud noise threw me by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tim is not thrown by this.

The New York Times

She wasn't thrown by seeing this.

The New York Times

The gauntlet has been thrown by @tryvlans.

The Guardian - Travel

Too many interceptions (15) thrown by Brees.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm always slightly thrown by dips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Or could the shoe have been thrown by someone else?

The New Yorker

On Inauguration Night, Lear attended a party thrown by Google.

The New Yorker

It's made for young brains that aren't thrown by incongruity.

The New York Times - Arts

Q. Are some people thrown by that? A. Absolutely.

The New York Times

Rubio himself seemed both delighted and thrown by the enthusiasm.

The New Yorker

But he had been thrown by "Dr. Devlin".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thrown by" to describe a situation where someone is surprised or confused by something unexpected. For example, "He was thrown by the sudden change in plans."

Common error

Avoid using "thrown by" in contexts where a literal throwing action is intended. For example, instead of "He was thrown by the ball", use "He was hit by the ball".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrown by" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something is affected or surprised by an external factor. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

18%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thrown by" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone being surprised or disoriented by something unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and general contexts. Alternatives include "taken aback by" or "surprised by", offering subtle variations in meaning. When using "thrown by", ensure it accurately reflects a situation of surprise or confusion, rather than a literal throwing action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taken aback by

Suggests a feeling of surprise or shock, highlighting the unexpected nature of the impact.

caught off guard by

Highlights the lack of preparation or anticipation when something happens.

startled by

Emphasizes a sudden surprise or shock.

surprised by

Emphasizes the feeling of unexpectedness when encountering something.

astonished by

Highlights a feeling of great surprise and wonder.

rattled by

Implies a disturbance in composure or a state of nervousness caused by something.

affected by

Focuses on the influence or impact something has on someone.

dismayed by

Conveys a sense of disappointment or distress caused by something unexpected.

unsettled by

Suggests a feeling of unease or disturbance caused by something.

perturbed by

Implies a state of mild anxiety or worry caused by something.

FAQs

How can I use "thrown by" in a sentence?

You can use "thrown by" to indicate someone is surprised or confused by something unexpected. For example, "She was "thrown by" the interviewer's challenging questions."

What is an alternative to "thrown by"?

Alternatives to "thrown by" include "taken aback by", "surprised by", or "caught off guard by", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was thrown by"?

Yes, "I was thrown by" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates that you were surprised or confused by something.

What does it mean to be "thrown by" something?

To be "thrown by" something means to be surprised, confused, or disoriented by it. It suggests a temporary state of being taken off balance.