in shock vs in a shock

Both 'in shock' and 'in a shock' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'In shock' is the more common and idiomatic phrase used to describe a state of being shocked or surprised. On the other hand, 'in a shock' is less common and typically used in a more specific context to refer to a particular instance of being shocked.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 256 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to describe a state of being shocked or surprised.

"in shock"

Use 'in shock' to describe a state of being shocked, surprised, or emotionally overwhelmed.

Examples:

She was in shock after hearing the news.
The sudden turn of events left him in shock.
The audience was in shock at the magician's trick.
I was in shock when I saw the accident.
He remained in shock for hours after the incident.

Show examples from the web [+]

The whole town was in shock.
We're all in shock down here.
Bob, you're in shock.
M-miss Armstrong... You're in shock.
I think Bill was the one in shock.
I'm in shock over David's actions.
Bob, you're in shock.
Your body is still in shock.
Sorry, but we're in shock.
I was in shock when I asked that.
I see people in shock every day.
My wife is still in shock.
Steve thought we were in shock when we saw Bill perform.
Becky, she's in shock.
You're in shock, Henry.
She's in shock, suffering from exposure.
Your feelings are shared by a nation still in shock.
You should be the one in shock.
My family and I are in shock and desperate for details.
Person's in shock, they suppress memories.

Alternatives:

shocked
surprised
emotionally overwhelmed

This phrase is correct but less common than 'in shock'. It is used in a more specific context to refer to a particular instance of being shocked.

"in a shock"

Use 'in a shock' when referring to a specific instance or event that caused shock or surprise.

Examples:

She was in a shock when she heard the unexpected news.
The loud noise resulted in a shock for the entire neighborhood.
The sudden announcement sent him into a shock.
The unexpected turn of events left everyone in a shock.
The revelation came as a shock to everyone in the room.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sweety, you're still in a shock, it's understandable.
Dad, you're in a shock.
It's a climactic explosion, one that results in a shock wave...
in a shock manifesto written by Enrico Maria Radaelli,
You in a shock - what to do?
Sandro Magister The ills of the Church and the "supernatural way" to heal them, in a shock manifesto written by Enrico Maria Radaelli, a philosopher of aesthetics and champion of Tradition.
The sample under test is enclosed in a shock device consisting of two coaxial solid steel cylinders, one above the other, in a hollow cylindrical steel guide ring.
So what actually happens is that material gets thrown out in a shock wave that if you're near enough to the shock wave would be destructive.
Also speak that flight is excellent, come we to you we will return money were simply in a shock... Which as we have got bilkety there... Of the return already also did not think have solved that we will understand on a place...
It reached us in a shock wave... the atom bomb.
They then ransacked the office, breaking windows and damaging religious symbols, including a cross and a statue of Our Lady.Teachers and several students looked on, powerless, as the school was ransacked; many girls were in a shock.
Have decided to go further for a city on settlements Dairy, Peace etc. I was in a shock - along boarding houses a dirt, a stench from estuaries and a flock having a rest lohanuvshihsja on this rest.
Many people are in a shock by the death of an actress who remained in the top for a long time.

Alternatives:

shocked by
surprised by
taken aback by

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany