a source of awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of awe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that inspires a feeling of wonder or admiration. Example: "The majestic mountains stood as a source of awe for all who visited the national park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It has always been a source of awe and envy for me to watch her read.

University of California, Berkeley

The idea that we're living in only a part of reality, with the whole permanently beyond our reach, can be a source of awe.

The New Yorker

City-dwellers, and many others, have now all but lost their view of the heavens, a source of awe and wonder since the beginning of time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For Arthur Chotin, 70, who had come from Annapolis, Md., to finally meet the couple caring for his father's resting place, the devotion of the Dutch was a source of awe.

The Washington Post

Mysterious and beautiful, the Moon has been a source of awe and inspiration to mankind for millennia.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I mention his obscure poem only to make clear a largely forgotten fact: mountains have not always been a source of reverence and awe.

The New York Times - Magazine

Travel can be a great source of awe, but awe can also be found closer to home.

Huffington Post

"The bright night sky and its stars has long been a profound source of awe and inspiration, which we know to stir creativity, generosity, good will and innovation," Keltner told HuffPost.

Huffington Post

As the devastation became clear the next morning, the updated images, including one showing a boat on the tracks near Reynolds Channel Bridge in Island Park, became a source of humor and awe.

The New York Times

It is then that we humans can see them - with sunlight and the solar wind igniting their fiery tails and creating a vision that has been a source of inspiration and awe to our ancestors since the very beginnings of our species.

BBC

"But if the light pollution is getting in the way, then you are taking away a very nice source of awe for people".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a source of awe", ensure the subject truly evokes a sense of wonder and deep respect, rather than mere admiration or liking.

Common error

Avoid using "a source of awe" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can diminish its impact and make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "an object of reverence" or "an inspiration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of awe" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object, describing something that evokes a feeling of profound respect and wonder. Ludwig's AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a source of awe" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, although it appears relatively infrequently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to describe something that inspires wonder and deep respect. Its usage is most common in news and media contexts and academia. Remember that while there are good alternatives, the goal of using it correctly is to make sure that the subject deserves the feeling of awe and reverence that you are trying to transmit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thing of wonder

Focuses on the quality of being wondrous, excluding where the feeling originates from.

a marvel

Highlights the wondrous nature, potentially lacking the sense of origin.

an object of reverence

Emphasizes respect and deep admiration, possibly missing the element of wonder.

an inspiration

Focuses on the inspiring aspect, omitting the sense of wonder.

a wonder-inducing entity

Highlights the capacity to induce wonder rather than the origin

a wonder to behold

Emphasizes the visual aspect of something awe-inspiring.

a sight to behold

Highlights the visual impressiveness, potentially lacking the emotional impact.

a cause for amazement

Stresses surprise and astonishment, diminishing the feeling of reverence.

an amazing phenomenon

Focuses on the observable fact of something remarkable.

a spectacle

Implies a grand display, which might not always be present in something awe-inspiring.

FAQs

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

You can use "a source of awe" to describe something that inspires wonder and admiration. For example, "The Grand Canyon is a source of awe for many visitors."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an inspiration", "a marvel", or "a thing of wonder".

Is it more appropriate to say "a source of awe" or "a source for awe"?

"A source of awe" is the correct and more common phrasing. "A source for awe" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "a source of awe" and "a source of wonder"?

While similar, "a source of awe" often implies a deeper sense of reverence and respect compared to "a source of wonder", which can be more general.