Shocked at vs. Shocked by

Question

Are there any differences between shocked at and shocked by? Thanks.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

future332Are there any differences between shocked at and shocked by?

I see none as they stand. A specific sentence may exhibit a preference. For example, 'I was shocked by him' and I was shocked at him' seem to have quite different meanings.

Future332 · Answer

Could you please explain the difference between I was shocked by him and I was shocked at him.
Thank you.

Mister Micawber · Answer

future332 I was shocked by him

He jumped at me wearing a devil mask.

future332I was shocked at him

He behaved terribly to his wife.

Future332 · Answer

Are you implying that I was shocked by him can only be used for people whereas shocked at him only for things, right?
Thanks.

Mister Micawber · Answer

future332Are you implying that I was shocked by him can only be used for people whereas shocked at him only for things, right?

No, I doubt that 'always' ever applies to English. I am just referring to those two specific sentences.

Future332 · Answer

Mister Micawber, would please show competency and explain in which cases English learners should use by and in which at.
Thank you in advance.

Mister Micawber · Answer

future332please show competency

I hope I have been doing that for several years now.

future332explain in which cases English learners should use by and in which at.

There is no simple explanation. Those who always expect simple explanations are doomed to disappointment.

BY:
1.
near to or next to:
a home by a lake.
2.
over the surface of, through the medium of, along, or using as a route:
He came by the highway. She arrived by air.
3.
on, as a means of conveyance:
They arrived by ship.
4.
to and beyond the vicinity of; past:
He went by the church.
5.
within the extent or period of; during:
by day; by night.
6.
not later than; at or before:
I usually finish work by five o'clock.
7.
to the extent or amount of:
The new house is larger than the old one by a great deal. He's taller than his sister by three inches.
8.
from the opinion, evidence, or authority of:
By his own account he was in Chicago at the time. I know him by sight.
9.
according to; in conformity with:
This is a bad movie by any standards.
10.
with (something) at stake; on:
to swear by all that is sacred.
11.
through the agency, efficacy, work, participation, or authority of:
The book was published by Random House.
12.
from the hand, mind, invention, or creativity of:
She read a poem by Emily Dickinson. The phonograph was invented by Thomas Edison.
13.
in consequence, as a result, or on the basis of:
We met by chance. We won the game by forfeit.
14.
accompanied with or in the atmosphere of:
Lovers walk by moonlight.
15.
in treatment or support of; for:
He did well by his children.
16.
after; next after, as of the same items in a series:
piece by piece; little by little.
17.
(in multiplication) taken the number of times as that specified by the second number, or multiplier:
Multiply 18 by 57.
18.
(in measuring shapes) having an adjoining side of, as a width relative to a length:
a room 10 feet by 12 feet.
19.
(in division) separated into the number of equal parts as that specified by the second number, or divisor:
Divide 99 by 33.
20.
in terms or amounts of; in measuring units of:
Apples are sold by the bushel. I'm paid by the week.
21.
begot or born of:
Eve had two sons by Adam.
22.
(of quadrupeds) having as a sire:
Equipoise II by Equipoise.
23.
Navigation. (as used in the names of the 16 smallest points on the compass) one point toward the east, west, north, or south of N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, or NW, respectively:
He sailed NE by N from Pago Pago.
24.
into, at, or to:
Come by my office this afternoon.
adverb
25.
near; in the immediate vicinity; at hand:
The school is close by.
26.
to and beyond a point near something; past:
The car drove by.
27.
aside; away:
Put your work by for the moment. Over the years, she laid by enough money to retire.
28.
over; past:
in times gone by.
29.
by me.
(in bridge and other bidding card games) a declaration that the speaker is passing.
(in poker) a declaration that the speaker is checking:
Is my pair of tens still high? By me.

AT:

1.
(used to indicate a point or place occupied in space); in, on, or near:
to stand at the door; at the bottom of the barrel.
2.
(used to indicate a location or position, as in time, on a scale, or in order):
at zero; at noon; at age 65; at the end; at the lowest point.
3.
(used to indicate presence or location):
at home; at hand.
4.
(used to indicate amount, degree, or rate):
at great speed; at high altitudes.
5.
(used to indicate a direction, goal, or objective); toward:
Aim at the mark. Look at that.
6.
(used to indicate occupation or involvement):
at work; at play.
7.
(used to indicate a state or condition):
at ease; at peace.
8.
(used to indicate a cause or source):
She was annoyed at his stupidity.
9.
(used to indicate a method or manner):
He spoke at length.
10.
(used to indicate relative quality or value):
at one's best; at cost.

Shocked at vs. Shocked by

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