Shock and disbelief

Expressing shock and disbelief

It is sometimes difficult to say how you feel in unexpected situations, such as natural disasters, bad news .., especially when you feel sad.

Here's a list of some common expressions to help you express

• shock
• and disbelief.

Shock:

I was	shocked to hear… stunned by... taken aback by…
... came as	a complete shock.
I'm in

Examples:

• I was shocked to hear the news.
• I was stunned / taken aback by the news
• I was completely taken aback by his behavior.
• I was just stunned by her clothes.
• The news came as a complete shock.
• We're all in complete shock.

Talking about ability

How to express ability

To express that someone has the power or skill to do something, can and be able are used.

Examples:

• I can't help you.I am busy.
• I'm unable to help you.
• When I was young I was able to earn my living pretty well; I could work hard. Now I can't. I'm too old.
• I can stand on my head for five minutes.
• Can you speak Arabic?
• Yes, I can.

Expressing ability

In the present:

Express ability in the present as follows:

• I can speak good English.
• I can't stand on my head.

In the past

Express ability in the past as follows

• I was unable to visit him.
• I couldn't eat at all when I was ill.

In the future

Express ability in the future as follows

• I will be able to buy a house when I get a good job.
• The teacher can assist you after class if you have any questions.

Things to remember:

• Can is always followed by an infinitive without "to."
  Examples: 
  I can ride my bike and I can drive a car, but I can't drive a lorry.