All Ears English Podcast
AEE 2396: What Gives? English Vocabulary For Expressing Surprise
Apr 23, 2025
Discover six distinct phrases to express surprise in English. The hosts share personal travel experiences, emphasizing the joy of connecting with locals and the ease of crossing borders. Explore how tone and context influence expressions of shock in conversation. Learn how to master reported speech and its role in storytelling, illustrating emotions through surprise. Techniques to amplify surprise and engage audiences in storytelling are also discussed, showcasing the power of intonation.
15:50
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Quick takeaways
- Different phrases for expressing surprise in English convey varied emotions and contexts, enhancing communicative effectiveness.
- Incorporating surprise expressions into storytelling can elevate narratives, making them more engaging and personal for the audience.
Deep dives
Expressing Surprise
Several phrases are used to express surprise in English, each with different connotations and levels of intensity. For example, the phrase 'what gives?' can convey mild frustration or annoyance, as in someone being late and questioning why. Alternatively, 'what is going on?' can express surprise while acknowledging a situation that evokes confusion, such as waiting too long at a restaurant. These expressions can range from the casual and common to those that are more trendy, reflecting a spectrum of emotional responses.
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