to be floored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be floored" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express being shocked, surprised, or overwhelmed by something unexpected. Example: "When I heard the news of her promotion, I was completely floored."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Prepare to be floored.

The New Yorker

Even from across the runway, she looked to be floored.

The New York Times

By Andrea K. Scott Prepare to be floored.

The New Yorker

A 1963 Ford Thunderbird, the color of a vanilla shake, just waiting to be floored to some dreamlike drive-in.

The New York Times

Joachim Löw's team had felt like champions elect, only to be floored by the brilliance of Mario Balotelli and Pirlo.

The Guardian - Sport

Travel around the country and it's hard not to be floored by the incredible differences in food from one area — sometimes one town — to another.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

After the screening, guests made their way to Harlow, a nearby restaurant, and more than a few admitted to being floored by the bleak ending.

The New York Times

"By the time I got to five, I was floored," she said.

The New York Times

Suffice to say, I was floored.

Huffington Post

To say he was floored would be an understatement.

Huffington Post

The spectral correction gains are floored to −20 dB.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be floored" to emphasize a strong emotional or physical reaction to something unexpected. It effectively conveys a sense of surprise or being overwhelmed.

Common error

Avoid using "to be floored" in situations that are only mildly surprising or interesting. This phrase is best reserved for moments of genuine shock or intense surprise to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be floored" primarily functions as a verb phrase used in the passive voice. It describes the state of a subject who experiences a strong emotional or physical impact, as seen in Ludwig examples where subjects are "to be floored" by surprising or overwhelming events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be floored" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes a state of shock, surprise, or being overwhelmed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, showing its prevalence across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to reserve this phrase for situations where the surprise is genuinely significant to avoid diluting its impact. Remember to consider alternatives like "to be astonished" or "to be stunned" in more formal settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be bowled over

Similar intensity, implies being figuratively knocked down by surprise or impact.

to be shocked

A more general term for a sudden, upsetting surprise, which can be physical or emotional.

to be taken aback

Highlights the unexpected nature of the event, causing a momentary pause or hesitation.

to be stunned

Suggests being temporarily unable to react due to shock, focusing more on the paralysis aspect.

to be flabbergasted

Emphasizes astonishment and disbelief.

to be astonished

Indicates a high degree of surprise, but perhaps less forceful than being floored.

to be astounded

Suggests a profound sense of wonder and disbelief.

to be dumbfounded

Focuses on the inability to speak due to surprise and confusion.

to be overwhelmed

Emphasizes the feeling of being unable to cope with the intensity of the situation.

to be amazed

Implies wonder and delight alongside surprise, a slightly more positive connotation.

FAQs

How can I use "to be floored" in a sentence?

You can use "to be floored" to describe a state of shock, surprise, or being overwhelmed. For example, "I was "completely floored" when I heard the news."

What's the difference between "to be shocked" and "to be floored"?

"To be shocked" is a general term for surprise, while "to be floored" implies a more intense reaction, suggesting being overwhelmed or figuratively knocked off your feet. You might "be shocked" by a rude comment, but you'd be "floored" by winning the lottery.

What can I say instead of "to be floored"?

Alternatives include "to be astonished", "to be stunned", or "to be taken aback", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "to be floored" in formal writing?

While "to be floored" is generally acceptable, consider the formality of your writing. In very formal contexts, alternatives like "to be astonished" or "to be surprised" might be more suitable.