doing awfully well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "doing awfully well" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is performing exceptionally well, often in a somewhat ironic or sarcastic context. Example: "Despite the challenges, she is doing awfully well in her new job and impressing everyone with her skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

As Sarah Kwak writes on SI.com, this should make the rest of the league nervous because the Penguins were doing awfully well without him and now look like a powerhouse.

The New York Times

On the other hand, I can attest that nobody spies a Lincoln badge and declares, "Gee, somebody's doing awfully well!" So Lincoln has to try harder to offer something you can't get from Ford.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"So we did awfully well.

The Guardian - Film

And one of them did awfully well, and he enjoys talking loosely..

The Guardian - Film

"Yes, I think it is going to be done in the right way but pomp and ceremony is something we do awfully well".

Independent

So with what the boys upstairs contribute and the rent from the studio, and our all eating together, we do awfully well.

The New Yorker

(At one point, our hero compliments his secretary, Jean Arthur, by saying, "I mean, for a woman, you've done awfully well").

The New York Times

"Spun-off businesses in our industry have done awfully well -- in a lot of cases, the spun-off company has done better than the parent," Mr. White said.

The New York Times

At teatime after the match in Harvard Stadium on Saturday, Dewar's White Label and crumpets are being passed in one of the stately homes of Cambridge, The host speaks: "I thought the team did awfully well this afternoon.

The New Yorker

"The low taxes on capital gains and dividends are why people who make a ton of money, which is largely from investment income, do awfully well," said Robert McIntyre, the director of Citizens for Tax Justice, which advocates more progressive taxation.

The New York Times

Cameron: Well, it's quite sunny and the French seem to have done awfully well there in a short space of time and we don't want to let them get all the credit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "doing awfully well" to describe situations where performance exceeds expectations, often with a touch of irony or surprise. It is especially effective when acknowledging challenges that were overcome.

Common error

While "awfully" adds emphasis, be cautious in formal writing. Overusing it can make your tone seem less serious or even sarcastic when sincerity is intended. Consider stronger, more direct adjectives like "remarkably" or "exceptionally".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doing awfully well" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically to describe how an action is being performed. It emphasizes the positive nature of the action, suggesting a high degree of success or effectiveness. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its use in describing performance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doing awfully well" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe exceptional performance, often with a touch of surprise or irony. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial phrase, typically found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register. While suitable for many situations, writers should be mindful of the context and avoid overuse in highly formal settings. Consider using alternatives like "performing exceptionally well" or "succeeding remarkably" to tailor the tone to your specific needs. Remember to check the sources to avoid incorrect usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performing exceptionally well

Emphasizes the act of performing with a high degree of skill.

succeeding remarkably

Focuses on the successful outcome and the noteworthy nature of it.

thriving significantly

Suggests a robust and flourishing state of progress.

excelling considerably

Highlights the act of surpassing expectations to a notable degree.

prospering greatly

Indicates a state of wealth and advancement in a large measure.

flourishing impressively

Implies vibrant growth and development that is worthy of attention.

advancing outstandingly

Stresses the progress made in a way that stands out from the rest.

progressing splendidly

Conveys a sense of wonderful and impressive forward movement.

getting on swimmingly

Suggests smooth and effortless progress, often used in informal contexts.

making great strides

Emphasizes the significant advancements being made.

FAQs

How can I use "doing awfully well" in a sentence?

You can use "doing awfully well" to describe someone or something performing exceptionally well, often in a somewhat ironic or surprised way. For example: "Despite the initial setbacks, the project is "doing awfully well" now."

What are some alternatives to "doing awfully well"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "performing exceptionally well", "succeeding remarkably", or "thriving significantly" as alternatives to "doing awfully well".

Is "doing awfully well" formal or informal?

"Doing awfully well" is generally considered neutral in tone. While "awfully" can sometimes be informal, in this phrase, it functions as an intensifier without being overly casual. However, consider the context and audience to be sure. In some formal documents other alternatives might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "doing awfully well" and "doing very well"?

"Doing very well" is a straightforward statement of success. "Doing awfully well" implies a degree of surprise or irony, suggesting that the success is unexpected or particularly noteworthy given the circumstances.