we were startled by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were startled by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express surprise or shock in response to an unexpected event or situation. Example: "We were startled by the sudden loud noise coming from the other room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We were startled by it because it was loud and unexpected.

The New York Times

"Sometimes we were startled by the extreme emotions the girls articulated through their body language," Chakraborty says.

The Guardian

As we stared at him, we were startled by a sudden movement -- a snake crawling out of his open skull".

The New York Times - Books

One year when my wife and I were skiing in Aspen, Colorado, we were startled by the size of the steaks in a restaurant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But even we were startled by some of the 10 courses, particularly the sea urchin served in the shell with something mysteriously crunchy in the foamy sauce.

The New York Times - Food

Warmed by this new trend, we were startled by a brochure that arrived in the mail from FBS, in New Rochelle.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

On the one hand, an epiphany is a surprising event; we are startled by what we've just discovered.

The New Yorker

Arrived at our destination, we're at breakfast on the terrace of the modest Hotel Metropole, in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, when we are startled by the unmistakable sounds of a Boeing 377 starting its four propellers — WHEE-EEE-eee-ouzzzze — and warming for takeoff — RhhhOUUMMMM!

The New Yorker

In the middle of the reserve, at Thelga sheep station, we are startled by two children from the homestead who run out to wave at our passing car – their outlines in the rear-view mirror gradually shrinking to dots on the horizon.

Independent

One resident wrote, "We of Victoria were startled by the apparitions presented by the sudden appearance of six hundred mounted Comanches in the immediate outskirts of the village".

Wikipedia

Many Pakistanis were startled by the social and financial differences.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were startled by" to describe a sudden, unexpected event that caused a brief moment of shock or surprise. It's particularly effective when narrating personal experiences or observations.

Common error

Avoid using "we were startled by" when a more intense emotional reaction like fear or terror is appropriate. "Startled" implies a brief shock, not a prolonged state of distress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were startled by" functions as a declarative statement expressing a reaction to something unexpected. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it used to describe reactions to sudden noises, surprising events, or unexpected information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were startled by" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express surprise or shock at an unexpected event. According to Ludwig AI, it's considered correct and effective in various writing styles. While suitable for neutral registers like news and descriptive narratives, more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic or business contexts. The phrase appears frequently in reputable sources such as The New York Times, The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were taken aback by

Replaces "startled" with a phrase that emphasizes surprise and slight bewilderment.

we were surprised by

Uses a more general term for unexpectedness, focusing on the feeling of astonishment.

we were astonished by

Emphasizes a greater level of surprise and amazement.

we were shocked by

Indicates a strong emotional reaction of disbelief and often, dismay.

we were amazed by

Highlights a sense of wonder and delight rather than mere surprise.

we were stunned by

Implies a temporary inability to react due to surprise.

we were caught off guard by

Focuses on the lack of preparation for something unexpected.

we didn't expect

Simple rephrasing with nearly interchangeable meaning, although lacking the initial emphasis.

it caught us by surprise

Shifts the focus to the event itself as the cause of the surprise.

we found it surprising that

Expresses surprise in a more detached and analytical way.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we were startled by" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you could replace "we were startled by" with phrases like "we were taken aback by", "we were surprised by", or "we were astonished by" depending on the level of surprise you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "we were startled by" and "we were surprised by"?

While similar, "startled" suggests a more sudden and abrupt surprise, often involving a physical reaction. "Surprised" is a more general term for unexpectedness. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the sudden shock or simply the unexpected nature of the event.

What kind of events are typically described with "we were startled by"?

"We were startled by" is often used for sudden noises, unexpected movements, or surprising announcements. Examples include: "We were startled by a loud bang" or "We were startled by the sudden news".

Can "we were startled by" be used in academic writing?

Yes, while it's not highly formal, "we were startled by" is acceptable in academic writing, especially when describing a personal observation or reaction during research. However, consider using a more formal alternative like "we were surprised by" or "we were taken aback by" for a more professional tone.