Grammar fix
be taken aback
be briefly unsettled
To feel suddenly surprised or shocked by something unexpected.
How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
I was taken aback by how rude the receptionist was.
I was quite taken aback when my neighbour offered to help me move, because we had hardly spoken before.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: I was taken back by his comment.
Say: I was taken aback by his comment.
The expression is 'taken aback', not 'taken back' when you mean surprised.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
Be shocked by something unexpected
How strongTaken abackAstonished
be taken abackYou're here · Unexpected news or behaviour briefly unsettles you.
get overAlways 'can't get over it': amazement that stays with you.be gobsmackedMainly British and informal: extremely surprised.