being in awe of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being in awe of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of deep admiration or respect for someone or something. Example: "I found myself being in awe of the breathtaking beauty of the landscape during our hike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

I remember being in awe of her.

The Guardian - Opinion

I can't stop being in awe of Jonathan Ross.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Murdoch accused the "posh boys in Downing Street" of being in awe of Google.

The Guardian

So too, must we stop pandering to the Isis media strategy by being in awe of the brand.

Independent

"I remember looking at the magazine when I was 14 and being in awe of Andy Hampsten.

The New York Times - Sports

Gregory Stamos, 47, a lawyer in Ansonia, remembers being in awe of Mr. Shortell as a youngster.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

She said she had initially been "in awe" of him.

BBC

I'm in awe of that".

The New Yorker

Others were in awe of him.

The New Yorker

The children were in awe of it.

The New Yorker

Cubans were in awe of Fidel.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being in awe of" to express deep respect and admiration, particularly when the object of your admiration possesses exceptional qualities or achievements. For example, "I remember "being in awe of" her gymnastics scene in Barcelona with such confidence one would have thought she'd always been there."

Common error

Avoid using "being in awe of" for everyday or trivial situations. The phrase implies a significant level of respect and admiration, so reserve it for truly remarkable subjects or events. Using it too frequently can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being in awe of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of profound admiration or respect. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing reactions to exceptional achievements or qualities. It is used to highlight the feeling of wonder and reverence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Huffington Post

7%

Less common in

The New Yorker

1%

Los Angeles Times

1%

BBC

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being in awe of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express deep admiration or respect. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media contexts and is used to convey a strong, positive emotional response. While versatile, it's best reserved for subjects or events that truly warrant such profound admiration. Alternatives like "admiring" or "marveling at" can be used for slightly different shades of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impressed by

Indicates a positive reaction to someone or something's qualities or performance.

marveling at

Focuses on the feeling of wonder and astonishment at something remarkable.

deeply impressed with

Intensifies the feeling of admiration, emphasizing the depth of the positive impression.

greatly admiring

Focuses on the intensity of the admiration felt.

admiring

Expresses a feeling of respect and approval, focusing more on the positive qualities observed.

astonished by

Emphasizes surprise and amazement, often due to something unexpected or impressive.

respecting

Highlights a sense of high regard for someone or something's qualities or achievements.

filled with wonder at

Highlights the feeling of awe and amazement, often in response to something beautiful or extraordinary.

revering

Indicates a profound respect, often bordering on worshipful admiration.

struck with admiration for

Emphasizes the sudden impact of something that evokes deep respect and approval.

FAQs

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

Use "being in awe of" to describe a feeling of deep respect and admiration. For instance, "I found myself "being in awe of" the dedication of the volunteers."

What are some alternatives to "being in awe of"?

You can use alternatives such as "admiring", "marveling at", or "impressed by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "being in awe of" in formal writing?

Yes, "being in awe of" is appropriate for formal writing when expressing genuine respect and admiration. Ensure that the context warrants the intensity of the phrase.

What's the difference between "being in awe of" and "respecting"?

"Being in awe of" implies a deeper sense of wonder and admiration compared to simply "respecting". Awe often involves a feeling of reverence, while respect can be a more general acknowledgment of someone's qualities.