with consternation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "with consternation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of shock, dismay, or surprise. For example, "The news of her sudden death was met with consternation by her friends and family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The United States has watched the situation with consternation.

The Washington Post

The edict was met with consternation in dioceses worldwide.

The New York Times

The adoption of these rules was met with consternation, mostly by people outside of Delaware.

The New York Times

His views have largely been met with consternation, however, though some were more sympathetic.

Independent

As other nations reacted with consternation to the developments in Crimea, the Kremlin was largely silent.

The New York Times

I read Alexandra Jacobs's piece on the rise of Spanx with consternation ("Smooth Moves," March 28th).

The New Yorker

Other U.S. politicians, including Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla)., have reacted with consternation.

The Washington Post

The news of the Siriss crash struck the world's airlines with consternation.

The New York Times

The plan has been met with consternation by organizers of the festivals.

The New York Times

The revelation of the priests' complaints will be met with consternation in the Vatican.

The Guardian

What we observed, with consternation, is the way people tried to live normal lives.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "with consternation" to express a strong feeling of shock or dismay in response to unexpected or negative news or events. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing when you want to convey a sense of serious concern.

Common error

Avoid using "with consternation" in casual or informal settings. The phrase's formality can sound overly dramatic or pretentious in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler expressions like "with surprise" or "with concern" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "with consternation" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing reactions to news, events, or decisions, highlighting its role in conveying a strong negative emotional response.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "with consternation" is a formal and expressive way to describe a reaction of shock, dismay, or alarm. Predominantly found in news and academic contexts, it serves to highlight the severity of a situation and the negative impact felt by those involved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides abundant examples demonstrating its effective use in conveying serious concern. While a powerful phrase, it should be reserved for appropriate contexts to avoid sounding overly dramatic in casual settings. Consider alternatives like "with dismay" or "with concern" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with dismay

Replaces "consternation" with a more direct synonym, focusing on disappointment and unease.

with alarm

Emphasizes a sense of danger or urgency that "consternation" might imply.

with apprehension

Highlights anxiety and fear about future events, adding a layer of anticipation.

with trepidation

Conveys a more pronounced feeling of fear or hesitation than "consternation".

with shock

Focuses on the sudden and surprising nature of the event causing the negative reaction.

in disbelief

Indicates an inability to accept or believe what is happening, shifting the focus to incredulity.

with surprise and concern

Combines the element of surprise with the worry or anxiety implied by "consternation".

with unease

Suggests a milder form of discomfort or anxiety compared to "consternation".

with perturbation

Implies a state of being disturbed or agitated, similar to the effect of "consternation".

with disquiet

Highlights a lack of peace or tranquility, focusing on the unsettling nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "with consternation" in a sentence?

You can use "with consternation" to describe someone's reaction to surprising or alarming news. For example: "The board members viewed the company's financial losses "with consternation"".

What phrases are similar to "with consternation"?

Alternatives to "with consternation" include "with dismay", "with alarm", or "in disbelief". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "with consternation"?

The phrase "with consternation" is most appropriate in formal writing or speech when you want to emphasize the seriousness of someone's shock or dismay. It is less suitable for casual conversation.

Is "with consternation" interchangeable with "with concern"?

While both phrases indicate a negative reaction, "with consternation" suggests a stronger sense of shock or alarm than "with concern". Use "with consternation" when the situation warrants a more dramatic response.