Is shook-to-the-core formal or informal?

It is more expressive than formal. It works well in journalism, storytelling, and strong personal writing.

What is the difference between shook-to-the-core and shocked?

Shocked is the simpler, more neutral word. Shook-to-the-core feels stronger and more dramatic.

Can I use shook-to-the-core in academic writing?

Usually no, unless you are quoting someone or writing a literary analysis. It sounds more emotional than academic.

← Dictionary

shook-to-the-core

/ʃʊk tə ðə kɔː(r)/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Very deeply shocked, upset, or affected. It suggests a strong emotional reaction that stays with you.

She was shook-to-the-core by the bad news.
The speech left the audience shook-to-the-core.
He looked shook-to-the-core after the accident.

Adinary Nuance

Shook-to-the-core is stronger than upset and more emotional than shocked. It suggests the feeling reached someone's deepest level, not just their face or mood. Writers choose it when they want to show intense fear, grief, or surprise.

In other languages

Vietnamese: bàng hoàng
Spanish: profundamente impactado
Chinese: 深受震动
Japanese: 大きな衝撃を受けた
Korean: 큰 충격을 받은

Etymology

This phrase combines the old verb shook, the past tense of shake, with to the core, meaning 'deeply'. It became common in modern English as a strong dramatic phrase.

Common phrases

shook-to-the-core byleft shook-to-the-corebe shook-to-the-core

Synonyms

shocked deeply upset devastated disturbed

Related words

shaken heartbroken stunned traumatized

Frequently asked questions

Is shook-to-the-core formal or informal?: It is more expressive than formal. It works well in journalism, storytelling, and strong personal writing.
What is the difference between shook-to-the-core and shocked?: Shocked is the simpler, more neutral word. Shook-to-the-core feels stronger and more dramatic.
Can I use shook-to-the-core in academic writing?: Usually no, unless you are quoting someone or writing a literary analysis. It sounds more emotional than academic.