aww

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'aww' is considered a correctly spelled word and it is commonly used in written English.
It is used to express sympathy, affection or understanding. For example, your friend might tell you he is sad because he lost his dog and you could reply with "Aww, I'm sorry to hear that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I remember thinking, aww, they should ask me.

The Guardian - Film

Then "Aww!

The Guardian - Sport

"Thank God for time and the passing of it, that's all I can say!" The preoccupation with the pair shows little sign of abating, particularly after Winslet declared DiCaprio "her closest friend in the world" and he created a "collective aww" backstage at the Baftas by praising her as "my homegirl".

Independent

Normally there'd be a bit of competitive spirit, but the first thing Tom said to the group was, "Do you think I've got time to ring my mum?" and I thought, "Aww, I love him!" While everyone else went off to get hammered, we felt more excited about checking in to the fancy Marriott hotel booked for us.

Independent

"She's my great help and adviser," he said, at which she said, "Aww!" and gently beat upon his shoulder with an affectionate, paw-like gesture — proving that, while, as the third Mrs. Murdoch, she may be his One More, he is her Won Over.

The New Yorker

I'm always a girl as I aww and ooo.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

("Whitney" is taped multi-camera style, with a live audience hooting and aww-ing).

The New Yorker

(In fairness, though, these inadvertent moguls are as aww-shucks about instant wealth as about the humdrum that preceded it).

The New York Times - Arts

He's been a country star not scared to seem as if he might own a computer, delivering bits of openmindedness with an aww-shucks demeanor and sly humor.

The New York Times - Arts

And before I go any further, I should report that the audience I saw the show with at a Saturday matinee "aww -ed aww -edckled andechuckledly on cue throughout.

The New York Times

While Dick disproves myths that OAPs are timid, obsessed with propriety or even particularly sensible, John provokes all sorts of patronising aww-ing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aww" sparingly in formal writing. It's best suited for informal contexts, like casual conversations or social media posts, where expressing genuine emotion is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "aww" in professional or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated expressions of sympathy or appreciation to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aww" is that of an interjection. It's used to express a spontaneous reaction to something perceived as cute, endearing, sad, or otherwise emotionally touching. Ludwig provides examples illustrating its use in various contexts, aligning with its function as an emotional expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Social Media

20%

Reference

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Aww" is a common interjection used to express a range of emotions, including sympathy, affection, and amusement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use, particularly in informal contexts such as social media and casual conversations. While its informality makes it unsuitable for professional or academic writing, its effectiveness in conveying empathy and warmth ensures its continued presence in everyday communication. When a more formal tone is required, consider using alternatives like "that's sweet" or "oh dear" to maintain the desired level of professionalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's sweet

Emphasizes the pleasant and endearing nature of something.

that's adorable

Expresses a stronger sense of delight and fondness.

how cute

Highlights the attractiveness and charm of someone or something.

how precious

Stresses the value and loveliness of someone or something.

oh dear

Conveys sympathy or concern for someone's misfortune.

bless your heart

Offers comfort or sympathy, sometimes with a hint of condescension depending on context.

poor thing

Highlights the pitiable state of someone or something.

that's heartbreaking

Highlights the emotionally distressing nature of a situation.

that's a shame

Expresses regret or disappointment about a situation.

what a pity

Expresses sorrow or regret about an unfortunate circumstance.

FAQs

How can I use "aww" in a sentence?

"Aww" is typically used as an interjection to express sympathy, affection, or amusement, often in response to something cute, sad, or touching. For example, "Aww, that's so sweet of you!" or "Aww, I'm sorry to hear that."

What can I say instead of "aww" to express sympathy?

You can use alternatives like "oh dear", "that's a shame", or "poor thing" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "aww" to express admiration for something cute?

Consider using "how cute", "that's adorable", or "how precious" to express your delight.

Is it appropriate to use "aww" in professional emails?

Generally, it's best to avoid using "aww" in professional emails, as it can come across as too informal. Opt for more professional expressions of sympathy or appreciation.