we are flabbergasted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are flabbergasted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express extreme surprise or shock about a situation or event. Example: "After hearing the unexpected news, we are flabbergasted and struggling to process what just happened."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

We are flabbergasted.

The Guardian

"We are flabbergasted that someone with absolutely no connection to this case can be allowed to bring an action like this.

The Guardian

We are flabbergasted, by what seems an almost impossibly bit of bad luck in our timing.Asked how much the men from overseas earned, Mr Moinuddin says they did not have "personal" salaries.

The Economist

"Having considered the known terms of the deal, we are flabbergasted that the UK government has committed future generations of consumers to the costs that will flow from this deal," the analysts said.

The Guardian

"We are flabbergasted as to how he got into the vehicle," said Mr Edmunds.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Really, we're flabbergasted.

The Guardian - Books

"We're flabbergasted," he said.

The New York Times

"We were flabbergasted," Ms. Morgenstern said.

The New York Times

We were flabbergasted and not a little ruffled.

Independent

We were flabbergasted by the birds' spring return times.

The Guardian

"If we're flabbergasted," Bills General Manager Tom Donahoe said about the five-week process of acquiring Bledsoe, "we're flabbergasted there weren't more teams that got involved".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are flabbergasted" when you want to express a strong sense of surprise or astonishment, particularly in response to unexpected news or events. Ensure that the context aligns with the formal tone implied by the word 'flabbergasted'.

Common error

Avoid using "we are flabbergasted" in casual or informal situations. The word 'flabbergasted' carries a formal and somewhat old-fashioned tone, which may sound out of place in everyday conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are flabbergasted" functions as a declarative statement expressing a strong feeling of surprise or astonishment. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct. It is typically used to convey that the speaker or writer is greatly taken aback by something unexpected.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we are flabbergasted" is used to express a strong sense of surprise or astonishment, often in response to unexpected news or events. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts, although its use is relatively rare, primarily appearing in news and media sources. Related phrases like "we're astonished" or "we're amazed" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We're astonished

Emphasizes a state of great surprise or amazement, using a slightly different verb choice.

We're taken aback

Suggests a feeling of shock or surprise, often implying a slight setback or unexpectedness.

We're astounded

Indicates being profoundly surprised or amazed, similar to astonished but potentially stronger.

We're dumbfounded

Describes being so surprised that one is temporarily unable to speak.

We're shocked

Expresses a feeling of sudden and intense surprise, often due to something unpleasant.

We're amazed

Highlights a sense of wonder and delight, alongside surprise.

We're surprised beyond words

Indicates that the level of surprise is so high that it is difficult to express.

We're bowled over

Suggests being overwhelmingly impressed or surprised.

We're staggered

Implies being deeply shocked or astonished, possibly to the point of being unsteady.

We're completely floored

Indicates being utterly surprised and overwhelmed.

FAQs

How can I use "we are flabbergasted" in a sentence?

You can use "we are flabbergasted" to express extreme surprise or shock. For example, "We are flabbergasted by the committee's unexpected decision."

What's a less formal alternative to "we are flabbergasted"?

Alternatives include "we're astonished", "we're amazed", or "we're shocked", depending on the context.

Is "we are flabbergasted" suitable for business communication?

Yes, "we are flabbergasted" can be suitable in formal business contexts when expressing surprise or disbelief, but consider the audience and the specific situation to ensure it aligns with the desired tone.

What is the difference between "we are surprised" and "we are flabbergasted"?

"We are surprised" is a general expression of mild astonishment, while "we are flabbergasted" implies a much stronger, more overwhelming sense of surprise or bewilderment.