'I am shocked' in other words I’m Speechless: usually, when | IELTSC1

"I am shocked" in other words

I’m Speechless: usually, when you’re shocked, you have a sudden intake of breath and because of that it’s very hard to get the words out; you don’t know how to react to the news or what to say

E.g: I’m speechless, I don’t know what to say. I thought he would be here until he died.

I’m Lost For Words: we use it when we’re shocked or surprised; could be either positive or negative

E.g: For Sarah’s 30s birthday, we surprised her with a birthday party. Her mum and sister also flew from Canada. She was lost for words

Astounded: quite a formal way to say that you’re really surprised

E.g: I’m absolutely astounded that your party would take this position.


Staggered: when you’re staggered, you’re caught off-balance by what somebody has said or has done

E.g: I’m staggered by the news that the robbers got away with 40 million of jewellery.

I’m flabbergasted: really surprised by whatever you’ve seen or whatever you’ve heard; you can’t really get the words out

E.g: I’ve won the first prize in that competition. I’m flabbergasted.

I’m Gobsmacked
Gob – very very slang word for your mouth.
Meaning: so shocked or surprised that you cannot speak

E.g: When I opened the envelope, I got that promotion. I’ve forgotten all about it and was completely gobsmacked.

Stunned: somebody stopped you in your tracks and you can’t think for a minute

E.g: He was stunned by what he saw and shared the screenshot online.

Startled: suddenly shocked or surprised by something; you could be startled by something you weren’t expecting

E.g: An unexpected pat on the shoulder got me startled.

Taken Aback: you are so surprised or shocked by something that you cannot respond at once

E.g: I was taken aback by the reaction I got when I said we should all return to the office on the 1st of September.

My jaw dropped: you had such a shock or such a surprise that your mouth opened

E.g: When he told me where he is working and the salary he is earning, my jaw dropped.

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