to be shocked

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be shocked" is a correct and usable phrase in written English and is typically used when something unexpected or unpleasant has been experienced.
For example, "I was shocked to hear that my neighbor had been diagnosed with cancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's hard to be shocked anymore".

The New York Times

People aren't going to be shocked".

Independent

"Prepare to be shocked," he said.

The New York Times

"Prepare to be shocked," he wrote.

The New York Times

Are we to be shocked by it?

The New York Times

"Everyone is going to be shocked.

Independent

It is hard to be shocked.

The New York Times

"We ought to be shocked.

The New York Times

"They're going to be shocked," he said.

The New York Times

Prepare to be shocked, shocked, shocked!

The Washington Post

It was her turn to be shocked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be shocked" when you want to convey a strong sense of surprise, often with negative connotations, in response to an unexpected event or revelation. This phrase effectively communicates a significant emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "to be shocked" for minor surprises or inconveniences. This phrase is best reserved for situations that genuinely evoke a strong emotional response. Using it inappropriately can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be shocked" functions as an infinitive phrase used to describe a state of surprise, disbelief, or dismay. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, indicating its established place in standard English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be shocked" is a versatile infinitive phrase used to express a significant emotional response to unexpected or disturbing events. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts. It appears most frequently in news and media, with a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the gravity of the situation to avoid diminishing its impact. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "to be astonished" or "to be stunned" to tailor the emotional tone to your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be stunned

Indicates a state of being overwhelmed and temporarily unable to react, similar to being shocked but focusing on the paralysis.

to be astonished

Replaces "shocked" with "astonished", indicating a high level of surprise but with a slightly different emotional tone.

to be flabbergasted

Indicates extreme surprise and amazement, often to the point of disbelief.

to be taken aback

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the event causing surprise.

to be dumbfounded

Suggests a state of speechlessness and bewilderment due to surprise or shock.

to be surprised

A more general term for experiencing something unexpected, with a lower intensity than "shocked".

to be aghast

Similar to appalled, but with a stronger emphasis on fear or dread.

to be appalled

Highlights a feeling of disgust and outrage in addition to shock, typically in response to something morally wrong.

to be horrified

Conveys a strong feeling of fear and revulsion, often associated with a shocking event.

to be dismayed

Expresses disappointment and concern, usually in response to negative or shocking news.

FAQs

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

You can use "to be shocked" to express surprise or disbelief about something unexpected. For example, "I was shocked to learn about the company's financial troubles" or "She seemed to be shocked by the sudden announcement."

What are some alternatives to "to be shocked"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "to be astonished", "to be surprised", or "to be stunned".

When is it appropriate to use "to be shocked"?

"To be shocked" is appropriate when describing a strong feeling of surprise, disbelief, or dismay, often in response to something unexpected or unpleasant. It suggests a more intense reaction than simply being surprised.

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

"To be shocked" implies a greater level of intensity and often a negative connotation compared to "to be surprised". While surprise can be mild and even pleasant, "to be shocked" usually indicates a significant emotional impact, often due to something disturbing or unexpected.