which shook me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which shook me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experience or event that caused a strong emotional reaction or surprise. Example: "The news of her sudden departure was unexpected and it was a revelation which shook me to my core."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

One day, following a particularly unsatisfactory performance of "Iphigenia in Tauris," he wrote of something that had affected him tremendously: "Hidden behind a pillar, I saw a man crying, which shook me more than three acts of tragedy".

The New Yorker

Perhaps it was my Mom's death which shook me out of my normal routines and forced me to look at a lot of things.

Huffington Post

They also spilled out of the wrestling ring and into my personal space, which shook me, but not as much as when I bumped into Jack Jester on the stairwell afterwards and he repeatedly flicked his tongue into my ear and whispered something about his bedroom behaviour.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

(A mirror image can be found in his unconditional admiration for the music of his friend György Ligeti, whom he first met in 1945: "I … love this music from the bottom of my heart, which resounds in Atmosphères as if it welled up inside me, which shakes me so in the Dies Irae [of Ligeti's Requiem], which lifts me on high in the violin concerto").

The Guardian - Music

I saw lots of things which would turn your hair curly, things which really shook me up".

The Guardian - Sport

I read a lot of material and this was the first I read which really shook me and made me feel something.

Huffington Post

"This was most likely an aftershock of the 5.1 magnitude earthquake, which shook the same area".

The New York Times

This changed with the shock of Detroit's bankruptcy, which shook up the state.

The Economist

There has been a gold rush which shook the reputation of the dollar.

The New Yorker

On Tuesday morning, there was another strong aftershock, which shook Tokyo.

The New York Times

General Guei led a coup in December 1999, which shook the country's reputation for stability.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "which shook me", ensure the context clearly establishes what event or realization caused the emotional impact, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "which shook me" in overly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too dramatic. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "which significantly impacted me" or "which greatly influenced my perspective".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which shook me" functions as a relative clause, modifying a preceding noun phrase by providing additional information about its impact. As supported by Ludwig, it introduces a sense of profound emotional or psychological disturbance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "which shook me" is a relative clause used to express a profound emotional or psychological impact. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness for adding emotional weight to narratives, particularly in news and media contexts. While effective, it's best to avoid overuse in overly formal writing, opting instead for more neutral alternatives. The phrase is relatively rare, but when used correctly, it can powerfully convey the significance of an experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which had a strong impact on me

Highlights the forceful influence of an event.

which affected me deeply

Stresses the profound impact on one's emotions.

that moved me

Emphasizes a feeling of tenderness or compassion.

that shocked me

Conveys a sense of sudden surprise and disbelief.

which disturbed me

Focuses on a sense of disruption to one's peace of mind.

that unsettled me

Highlights a feeling of unease or disquiet.

that startled me

Emphasizes a sudden surprise or alarm.

which resonated with me

Indicates a personal connection or understanding.

that left a mark on me

Implies a lasting impression or change.

that stirred me

Suggests an emotional arousal or excitement.

FAQs

What does "which shook me" mean?

The phrase "which shook me" signifies that something has profoundly affected or disturbed you, causing a significant emotional or psychological impact. It implies a strong reaction to an event, revelation, or experience.

What can I say instead of "which shook me"?

You can use alternatives like "that startled me", "which disturbed me", or "which affected me deeply" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "which shook me" too informal for academic writing?

While not strictly incorrect, "which shook me" might be considered too informal or emotive for some academic contexts. More neutral alternatives like "which significantly impacted me" or "which greatly influenced my perspective" may be more appropriate.

How do I use "which shook me" in a sentence?

Use "which shook me" to add emotional weight and emphasize the personal impact of an event. For example: "The news of her sudden departure was unexpected and it was a revelation "which shook me" to my core."