very shocking

USAGE SUMMARY

"very shocking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is extremely surprising, startling, or disturbing. Example: The news of the car accident was very shocking.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It's very shocking.

The New York Times

It was very shocking.

Independent

"This is very shocking.

The Guardian

It was a very shocking image".

Independent

"It's obviously very shocking news, very sad.

The New York Times - Sports

It's a very shocking and sad song.

The Guardian - Music

It was very shocking and humbling.

The Guardian

This is very shocking to me.

The New York Times - Arts

It was not so very shocking.

The Guardian - Arts

This is very shocking and very upsetting".

The New York Times

It was very shocking to me".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "very shocking" to convey a strong sense of surprise or dismay, particularly when describing unexpected or disturbing events. It adds emphasis to the level of surprise or negativity associated with the information.

Common error

While "very shocking" is appropriate for news reports and formal discussions, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. Alternatives like "unbelievable" or "mind-blowing" might be more suitable for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very shocking" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It intensifies the adjective "shocking", indicating a high degree of surprise, dismay, or outrage. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct phrase. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its use in describing news, events, or revelations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "very shocking" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjectival phrase that intensifies the feeling of being "shocked" by something. According to Ludwig, it’s suitable for expressing a strong emotional reaction, particularly in response to unexpected or disturbing news and events. While versatile, be mindful of the context and audience, opting for more casual alternatives in informal settings. As shown by the examples from Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources to convey surprise, dismay, or outrage. The phrase effectively conveys the intensity of the emotional response and is readily understood in a variety of situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deeply disturbing

Focuses on the unsettling and anxiety-provoking aspect of something.

profoundly unsettling

Suggests a deep and lasting disturbance.

intensely upsetting

Focuses on the emotional distress caused by something.

extremely appalling

Emphasizes the morally offensive and reprehensible nature of something.

terribly unsettling

Emphasizes the disturbance to one's peace of mind.

highly alarming

Stresses the potential danger or threat associated with something.

particularly outrageous

Highlights the unacceptability and offensiveness of something.

utterly dismaying

Highlights the disappointment and discouragement caused by something.

exceptionally startling

Emphasizes the sudden and surprising nature of something.

remarkably scandalous

Focuses on the disreputable and morally questionable aspect of something.

FAQs

How can I use "very shocking" in a sentence?

You can use "very shocking" to describe something surprising, startling, or disturbing, for example: "The news of the sudden resignation was "very shocking"."

What are some alternatives to "very shocking"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "deeply disturbing", "highly alarming", or "extremely appalling".

Is "very shocking" formal or informal?

"Very shocking" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is frequently found in news and media reports.

What makes something "very shocking"?

Something is "very shocking" when it is unexpectedly surprising, disturbing, or morally offensive. The level of shock implies a significant deviation from what is expected or acceptable.