awe of

USAGE SUMMARY

"awe of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a feeling of admiration, respect, or fear. For example, "The child looked up at the giant tree in awe of its enormous size."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm in awe of that".

The New Yorker

I'm also in awe of "Homeland".

The New York Times - Books

We're still in awe of this.

The New York Times

Others were in awe of him.

The New Yorker

The awe of discovering the human body.

The New York Times

He was clearly in awe of Centrowitz.

The New Yorker

I am in awe of him.

The New York Times - Books

You're in awe of the place.

Independent

I was in awe of it.

The New York Times - Health

I am in awe of her prose.

The New York Times - Books

The children were in awe of it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awe of" to express a feeling of profound respect, admiration, or wonder towards someone or something. For example, "She stood in awe of the majestic mountain range."

Common error

Avoid using "awe of" when you simply mean admiration or respect. "Awe" implies a deeper sense of wonder and sometimes fear. If the feeling is less intense, consider using phrases like "respect for" or "admiration for" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awe of" functions as a prepositional phrase often used as an adjective complementing a verb like 'to be' (e.g., 'I am in awe of'). Ludwig examples show it describes a state of admiration, respect, or wonder.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "awe of" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to express a feeling of deep respect, admiration, or wonder. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase effectively conveys a sense of amazement and high regard for someone or something. While alternatives like "respect for" or "admiration for" exist, "awe of" implies a more profound sense of wonder. To ensure proper usage, remember that "awe of" describes a deeper emotion than simple admiration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respect for

Focuses more on admiration and high regard.

admiration for

Emphasizes positive approval and appreciation.

wonder at

Highlights amazement and curiosity.

reverence for

Implies deep respect and honor, often in a religious or formal context.

amazement at

Stresses surprise and astonishment.

high regard for

Indicates a strong positive opinion and esteem.

deep appreciation for

Focuses on gratitude and recognition of value.

astonishment at

Emphasizes a feeling of great surprise and disbelief.

veneration of

Suggests a high level of respect and admiration, almost to the point of worship.

deference to

Highlights respect and submission to someone's authority or opinion.

FAQs

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

You can use "awe of" to describe a feeling of deep respect, admiration, or wonder. For instance, "They were in "awe of" the astronaut's bravery" or "I'm in "awe of" her accomplishments".

What are some alternatives to "awe of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "respect for", "admiration for", or "wonder at" to convey similar meanings.

Is it correct to say "in awe with" instead of "in awe of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "awe" in this context is "of". Saying "in awe with" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "in "awe of"".

What's the difference between "awe of" and "fear of"?

"Awe of" implies a sense of respect, admiration, and wonder, while "fear of" indicates anxiety or apprehension. While "awe of" something might include an element of fear, it's primarily driven by admiration. "Fear of" is purely about dread or fright.