Functions and notions

Shock and surprise

We can use the following expressions to express shock and surprise.

It's shocking to think
It's horrifying to think + (that) + noun
It's incredible to think

• It's shocking to think that people kill for money.
• It's horrifying to think children could be killed.
• It's incredible to think Jim is now a millionaire.

It's + adjective + to infinitive

• It's stupid to play with lifts.
• It's dangerous to throw things out the window.

Noun + be a real worry for + noun

• Teenage lift-surfing is a real worry for parents.
• Jack's unreliability is a real worry for the company.

It's only a matter of time + before / until

• It's only a matter of time before someone gets killed.
• It's only a matter of time until he realises his mistake.

Before is more common than until in this construction.