was struck dumb

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was struck dumb" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being speechless or unable to respond, often due to shock or surprise. Example: "When she heard the unexpected news, she was struck dumb, unable to find the words to express her feelings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

I was struck dumb with delight.

Independent

"I was struck dumb," Ms. Chipaumire said.

The New York Times - Arts

I completely panicked and was struck dumb.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was struck dumb when he responded "Astros".

The New York Times

Indeed, when she showed her husband he was struck dumb.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have to admit that I was struck dumb.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

They are struck dumb.

The Guardian - Opinion

She seemed to have been struck dumb.

The New Yorker

Has Mark really been struck dumb?

The Guardian - Books

"You seem to be struck dumb, Miss Steele," he wryly observes.

The Guardian - Books

It's an electrifying moment: Othello is struck dumb with a grief beyond words.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was struck dumb" to vividly depict a moment of profound shock or surprise, creating a strong impact on the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "was struck dumb" to describe general silence. This phrase implies a sudden, impactful reason for the silence, such as shock or awe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was struck dumb" functions as a passive voice construction describing a state of temporary speechlessness. This state is typically induced by a sudden and impactful event. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Books

20%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was struck dumb" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a state of speechlessness brought on by shock, surprise, or awe. Ludwig AI validates this assessment, highlighting its presence in diverse media. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, serving to vividly portray a character's reaction to a significant event. While the phrase is appropriate in a variety of settings, it is crucial to use it accurately, ensuring that the silence being described is indeed a result of a sudden, impactful cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was left speechless

Focuses on the inability to speak, similar to the original phrase.

was rendered mute

Emphasizes the state of being unable to speak, often due to shock.

was lost for words

Highlights the inability to find suitable words to express oneself.

was dumbfounded

Indicates a state of astonishment and confusion.

was flabbergasted

Conveys extreme surprise and bewilderment.

was astounded

Highlights a feeling of great surprise and wonder.

was taken aback

Emphasizes a feeling of surprise and slight shock.

was thunderstruck

Suggests a sudden and powerful feeling of surprise.

was momentarily speechless

Adds a temporal aspect to the inability to speak.

couldn't say a word

Directly states the inability to utter anything.

FAQs

What does the phrase "was struck dumb" mean?

The phrase "was struck dumb" means to be so surprised, shocked, or awed that one is temporarily unable to speak. It implies a strong emotional or mental impact.

What can I say instead of "was struck dumb"?

You can use alternatives like "was left speechless", "was rendered mute", or "was lost for words" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "was struck dumb"?

Yes, "was struck dumb" is grammatically correct. It is a passive construction using the verb "strike" in the past tense.

What situations are appropriate for using "was struck dumb"?

The phrase is appropriate for situations where someone experiences a sudden and overwhelming emotion that causes them to become temporarily speechless, such as witnessing an amazing performance or receiving shocking news.