awing

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'awing' is a valid word and can be used in written English.
It is used as an adjective to describe something that is impressive, awe-inspiring, or astonishing. Example: The majestic view of the snow-capped mountains was truly awing.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He has managed to instil a discipline that evaded his laxer predecessors, awing the players and the media and banishing the WAGs.

The Economist

For over a decade now, Christopher Nolan, whose "The Dark Knight Rises" opens this Friday, has been awing and taunting us with his restless blockbusters.

The New Yorker

And so, last… For over a decade now, Christopher Nolan, whose "The Dark Knight Rises" opens this Friday, has been awing and taunting us with his restless blockbusters.… In Jonathan Lethem's new book, "Fear of Music," a study of the Talking Heads album by the same name and a riff on his emotional… Suddenly, self-immolation is everywhere.

The New Yorker

Garfield had no academic stars, awing the rest of us with their straight A's.

The New Yorker

He got all A's his sophomore year, breezing through math and awing his English teachers.

The New York Times

I loved every moment of it, grasping and awing and smiling as I got my wand and learnt what the various wood's and corse represent or do.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

So I went along (to a Shoreditch coffee shop) in the spirit of a person who isn't meeting the person they wanted to meet, and was awed by Caballero.

The Guardian

But lyrics too remained an influence and inspiration: Iain was endlessly and avowedly awed by the invention and verbal wit of Clive James's songwriting with Pete Atkins.

The Guardian - Books

At their worst they have been utterly awed by the occasion, notably on the first day at The Gabba and on the last day at Adelaide.

The Guardian - Sport

I stood by him transfixed and awed that he possessed the knowledge and the talent to paint the finishing touches on the corpse's lips.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The waste of money on bungled defence contracts is awe-inspiring.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "awing" to describe something inspiring awe, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the awe. For example, "The artist's skill was truly awing."

Common error

Avoid using "awing" in contexts where a more common synonym like "amazing" or "inspiring" would be more readily understood. Overuse of "awing" can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "awing" is as a present participle of the verb "awe", often used adjectivally to describe something that evokes a feeling of reverence or amazement. As Ludwig AI mentions, it's also an adverb meaning 'on the wing'. Ludwig's examples show it modifying nouns to convey this sense.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "awing" is a grammatically correct word that functions primarily as a present participle, describing something that inspires awe or as an adverb related to flight. According to Ludwig AI, it is valid English. Although correct, it is less common than alternatives like "amazing" or "awe-inspiring". Ludwig's examples are sourced primarily from News & Media, suggesting a neutral register. When writing, consider whether a more common synonym might be clearer and more impactful for your audience. The goal is effective communication, ensuring the intended sense of wonder or admiration is readily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

filling with wonder

Expresses the experience of being filled with admiration and curiosity.

inspiring awe

Replaces the single word with a verb phrase that clarifies the action.

eliciting admiration

Focuses on the act of drawing forth positive regard.

causing amazement

Emphasizes the effect of causing surprise or wonder.

astonishing greatly

Highlights the impact of causing a great level of surprise or amazement.

commanding respect

Highlights the aspect of eliciting admiration and deference.

impressing deeply

Emphasizes the depth of the impact made on someone's feelings or thoughts.

in flight

Focuses on the action of flying or being airborne.

on the wing

Similar to "in flight", specifying the state of being capable of flight.

fluttering about

Describes a light and rapid movement through the air.

FAQs

How can "awing" be used in a sentence?

"Awing" can be used as a present participle, such as: "The performance was "awing" the audience." It can also function as an adverb related to flight: "The bird was "awing" gracefully across the sky."

What words can I use instead of "awing"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "awing" could include "amazing", "inspiring", "astonishing", or "in flight".

Is it more common to say "awing" or "awe-inspiring"?

"Awe-inspiring" is more common than "awing" when describing something that causes awe. While "awing" is grammatically correct, "awe-inspiring" is the more conventional phrase.

What is the difference between "awing" and "awed"?

"Awing" is the present participle of the verb "awe", suggesting an ongoing action. "Awed" is the past participle or simple past tense, indicating a state of being filled with awe. For example, "The view was awing," versus "They were awed by the view".