What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
surprised
Example
I was pleasantly surprised by the gift. [surprised: adjective]
Example
She was surprised to see her old friend at the party. [surprised: past tense verb]
shocked
Example
He was shocked to hear the news of his father's sudden death. [shocked: past participle]
Example
The audience was shocked by the unexpected plot twist in the movie. [shocked: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Surprised is more commonly used than shocked in everyday language. Surprised is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while shocked is more specific and usually reserved for more serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between surprised and shocked?
Surprised is generally considered less formal than shocked. Surprised can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while shocked is usually reserved for more serious or formal situations.
