we were astounded by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were astounded by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or amazement at something that has occurred or been revealed. Example: "We were astounded by the incredible talent displayed at the competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"We were astounded by her playing," he added.

The New York Times

"But we were astounded by the parents' reaction".

The New York Times

"We were astounded by these apartments," Mrs. Barsky said.

The New York Times

"We were astounded by their lack of interest," said Anne-Solange Noble, Gallimard's foreign rights director.

The New York Times - Books

"We were astounded by the press coverage for "Out of the Ordinary" and incredibly pleased," Mr. McElhatton said.

The New York Times - Arts

When we started our search for her successor, we were astounded by the number of applicants willing to move cross-country for an extremely modest salary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"We are astounded by the inaccurate statements," said W. Alan McCollough, president of the electronics chain, which is based in Richmond, Va.

The New York Times

Rather than support the sanction imposed on Alabama, we believe the U.N.L.V. case actually supports a reduction of that sanction and we are astounded by an error so fundamental and critical to the I.A.C.'s decision".

The New York Times - Sports

When we started making this film, people were astounded by the kind of access we were getting: "We've never seen anything like it". The novelty of the film exists in various ways from the content, to the form, to the fact that people were able to watch politicians they see everyday in the context of a larger story.

Vice

They were astounded by how attractive all the guys were.

The New York Times

But some former colleagues were astounded by the news.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were astounded by" to express a strong feeling of surprise and amazement, particularly when something exceeds expectations or defies belief. Be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intensity of the emotion conveyed.

Common error

Avoid using "we were astounded by" in contexts that warrant a milder expression of surprise. Save it for truly remarkable or unexpected events to maintain its impact and avoid sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were astounded by" functions as a declarative statement expressing a collective feeling of surprise and amazement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in varied contexts. The verb 'astound' here denotes a high degree of astonishment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were astounded by" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that expresses a strong sense of surprise and amazement. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media, and is appropriate for neutral to formal contexts. While effective for conveying strong emotions, it should be used judiciously to avoid sounding hyperbolic. Consider alternatives like "we were amazed by" or "we were surprised by" depending on the context and desired level of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were amazed by

This alternative conveys a sense of wonder and pleasant surprise rather than shock or disbelief.

we were astonished by

This phrase emphasizes a stronger sense of surprise, almost to the point of disbelief.

we were surprised by

A more general term indicating something unexpected, without necessarily implying a strong emotional reaction.

we were impressed by

This alternative highlights admiration and respect in addition to surprise.

we were taken aback by

This implies a sudden and slightly unsettling surprise.

we were shocked by

This suggests a negative or disturbing surprise.

we couldn't believe

Focuses more on the disbelief aspect of the surprise.

it was beyond our expectations

Highlights that something exceeded previous anticipation or hopes.

we were rendered speechless by

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the surprise, leaving one unable to speak.

we found it remarkable

Shifts focus from surprise to the outstanding or noteworthy quality of something.

FAQs

What does "we were astounded by" mean?

The phrase "we were astounded by" expresses a strong feeling of surprise and amazement, often indicating that something was unexpected and remarkable.

What can I say instead of "we were astounded by"?

You can use alternatives like "we were amazed by", "we were astonished by", or "we were impressed by" depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How formal is the phrase "we were astounded by"?

The phrase "we were astounded by" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider the audience and situation to ensure it aligns with the desired tone. In some situations, a more casual phrase like "we were surprised by" may be more appropriate.

Is it correct to say "I was astounded by" instead of "we were astounded by"?

Yes, both "I was astounded by" and "we were astounded by" are grammatically correct. The choice depends on whether you are expressing your own individual reaction or the reaction of a group.