we are shocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we are shocked' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when something unexpected or disturbing has occurred. For example: 'We are shocked by the suddenness of the news that our beloved teacher had passed away.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Every so often we are shocked — shocked!

The New York Times - Arts

It is shocking how often we are shocked.

Huffington Post

We are shocked and heartbroken.

The New York Times

"We are shocked," Mr. Shackelford said.

The New York Times

"Frankly, we are shocked," he said.

The New York Times

We are shocked by what has happened".

The Guardian

We are shocked by these allegations.

The Guardian

"We are shocked by these violent actions".

The New York Times

"We are shocked by this verdict.

The Guardian

"We are shocked and angered," Gutierrez said.

The Guardian

We are shocked and dismayed at this senseless violence.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are shocked," ensure the context provides clarity about the cause of the shock, enhancing the sentence's impact and preventing ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "we are shocked" as it can diminish the impact of your message over time. Reserve it for truly surprising or significant events to maintain its effectiveness. Consider alternatives like "we are dismayed" or "we are appalled" for less severe situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are shocked" primarily functions as an expressive statement. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to convey a strong, immediate emotional reaction of surprise and dismay. It reflects a state of being profoundly affected by unexpected or disturbing news or events, aligning with many Ludwig examples showing its use in response to negative occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are shocked" is a grammatically correct and highly prevalent phrase used to express strong emotional reactions, particularly in response to unexpected or disturbing events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to convey disbelief, dismay, or outrage. While effective, it's advisable to use it judiciously and consider alternative expressions like "we are appalled" or "we are dismayed" in appropriate situations to maintain impact. Ensure the context clearly indicates the cause of the shock to maximize the sentence's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are appalled

Expresses a strong feeling of disgust and shock, often implying moral offense.

we are horrified

Conveys a strong feeling of fear and shock, usually in response to something extremely unpleasant.

we are aghast

Indicates being filled with horror or shock.

we are stunned

Implies being shocked to the point of being temporarily speechless or unable to react.

we are outraged

Expresses strong indignation and anger, typically in response to perceived injustice.

we are dismayed

Indicates disappointment and discouragement, often combined with shock.

we are flabbergasted

Expresses extreme surprise and shock.

we are dumbfounded

Conveys being so shocked that one is temporarily unable to speak.

we are taken aback

Implies being surprised and slightly shocked by something unexpected.

we are incredulous

Indicates disbelief and shock, often suggesting that something is too extraordinary to be true.

FAQs

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

"We are shocked" is used to express a strong feeling of surprise and dismay, typically in response to unexpected or disturbing news. For example, "We are shocked by the allegations of misconduct" or "We are shocked by the sudden increase in prices".

What are some alternatives to saying "we are shocked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "we are appalled", "we are dismayed", "we are horrified", or "we are stunned" to express similar sentiments.

Is it appropriate to use "we are shocked" in formal writing?

Yes, "we are shocked" can be appropriate in formal writing, especially when conveying an organization's or group's reaction to significant events. However, ensure the tone aligns with the overall message and consider alternatives if a less emphatic expression is desired.

What's the difference between "we are shocked" and "we are surprised"?

"We are surprised" indicates a feeling of mild astonishment, whereas "we are shocked" implies a much stronger emotional reaction, often involving disbelief, dismay, or even horror. Shock typically involves a negative or disturbing element that surprise might lack.