a feeling of awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of awe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a feeling of respect and admiration, often in response to something great. For example, "The night sky filled me with a feeling of awe".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

Maybe a feeling of awe.

Harvard University

The Milky Way evokes a feeling of awe when I see it.

The Guardian

Often that landscape communicates a powerful menace, while at other times a feeling of awe and beauty.

The New Yorker

Standing on the 15th floor of the Chrysler Group headquarters, I have a hard time suppressing a feeling of awe.

The New York Times - Magazine

They are an immovable memory, a feeling of awe and a kind of collective cultural childhood, and thinking about them is remembering that awe.

The New Yorker

On the day of his team's first full-squad workout as World Series champions, the Houston Astros' architect, Jeff Luhnow, acknowledged a feeling of awe.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

It is a dramatic and unsettling work, which uses archive footage and interviews with scientists and religious leaders to create a feeling of fear and awe at technology's possibilities.

The Guardian - Music

At the top there's laughter and backslapping and a glorious feeling of awe.

The Guardian - Travel

Its size and the wealth of its collection could create a paralyzing feeling of awe.

The New York Times - Arts

Astronaut Cady Coleman describes a similar feeling of awe when looking at the Earth from space: "After living in space, it's actually hard for me to feel that I'm the citizen of one country".

Huffington Post

Miniatures evoke a feeling of wonder or awe.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a feeling of awe" when you want to convey a sense of profound respect, wonder, and sometimes even fear, in response to something powerful or majestic. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the phrase matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeling of awe" to describe minor positive experiences. This phrase is best reserved for truly significant or impressive events, preserving its impact and preventing it from sounding hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of awe" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object or subject complement in a sentence. It describes a subjective emotional experience of profound respect and wonder. As Ludwig indicates, its usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of awe" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a profound emotional experience of wonder and respect. Ludwig's examples show that the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, and it is considered to have a neutral to slightly formal register. While "a feeling of awe" can powerfully convey the emotional impact of witnessing something extraordinary, avoid overusing it in mundane situations to preserve its descriptive power. Alternatives like "a sense of wonder" or "profound respect" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. This phrase is a valuable tool for expressing deep emotions, so long as it's used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of wonder

Replaces "awe" with "wonder", focusing on the amazement aspect.

a sense of amazement

Focuses on the astonishment and surprise experienced.

a profound respect

Shifts the emphasis to the respect and admiration component of awe.

an overwhelming admiration

Highlights the intensity of admiration felt.

a deep reverence

Emphasizes the respectful and solemn aspect of the feeling.

an impression of grandeur

Captures the feeling of being in the presence of something magnificent.

a humbling experience

Emphasizes the feeling of insignificance in the face of something greater.

a moment of inspiration

Highlights the potential for awe to spark creativity.

a spiritual awakening

Connects the feeling of awe to a deeper, more profound understanding.

astonishment

A more concise, single-word alternative focusing on surprise.

FAQs

How can I use "a feeling of awe" in a sentence?

You can use "a feeling of awe" to describe your reaction to something impressive, for example: "Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon filled me with "a feeling of awe"".

What's a good alternative to "a feeling of awe"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a sense of wonder", "profound respect", or "deep reverence".

Is it correct to say "I had a feeling of awe"?

Yes, "I had "a feeling of awe"" is grammatically correct and conveys that you experienced a sense of wonder and respect.

What causes "a feeling of awe"?

"A feeling of awe" is typically triggered by encountering something vast, powerful, beautiful, or mysterious, like a natural wonder or a remarkable achievement.