evoke awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "evoke awe" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes a strong feeling of admiration or fear. Here are some examples: - The majestic mountains evoked awe in the hikers who stood at their base. - The grand cathedral's stained glass windows were designed to evoke awe in its visitors. - The magician's tricks never failed to evoke awe in his audience. - The sight of the ancient ruins left the archaeologists in awe, evoking a sense of wonder at the past civilizations. - The powerful storm raging outside was both terrifying and evoked a sense of awe in the onlookers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

One purpose of landscape art can be to evoke awe, to make the viewer feel as small as a carpenter ant at a skyscraper construction site.

The New York Times - Books

But it has taken nothing more than a cup of coffee and a backpack to show that American officials can still evoke awe, respect and envy among Chinese, even if unwittingly.

The New York Times

On the way here I found myself wondering, What is a novel?" He had already written twenty-nine of them by then, but to him the process had not lost its mystery and could still evoke awe.

The New Yorker

To evoke awe.

Huffington Post

Written words can also evoke awe.

Huffington Post

Our content continues to uplift, evoke awe and restore hope in humanity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

PEBBLE BEACH evokes awe in devout golfers.

The New York Times - Travel

It's awesome, in the sense that it evokes awe.

The New York Times - Books

Evoking Awe Through Art: Artists perform and reflect on how their work tries to convey and inspire awe.

University of California, Berkeley

But Julie is a rare artist whose distinct images are imbued with emotion, evoking awe and tears".

The New York Times

This cult was worshipped here for over 1,000 years, and the site still evokes awe in the visitor.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "evoke awe", ensure the subject is something genuinely impressive or sublime to align with the strong emotional impact of awe. Overusing the phrase can diminish its effect, so reserve it for situations where the feeling is truly profound.

Common error

Avoid replacing "awe" with weaker words like "interest" or "amazement" when you want to express a deep, almost overwhelming feeling of reverence or wonder. Using a less impactful term can dilute the intended message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "evoke awe" functions as a verb phrase + noun, where 'evoke' acts as a transitive verb requiring a direct object (awe). According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct, serving to describe the act of causing a strong feeling of admiration or fear.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "evoke awe" is a grammatically correct and evocative phrase used to describe the act of inspiring a profound sense of wonder and respect. As noted by Ludwig, it is suitable for describing subjects that are genuinely impressive or sublime. While it appears most frequently in news and media, its presence in academic and scientific contexts suggests a broader applicability. To maximize its impact, reserve "evoke awe" for situations where the feeling is truly significant, and ensure the subject aligns with the phrase's inherent intensity. Be mindful to avoid substituting the term "awe" with weaker synonyms as this can dilute the message. Furthermore, the correct grammatical form of this phrase depends on whether the subject is singular or plural, therefore make sure you use it correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inspire awe

Focuses more on the direct act of causing awe, with a slightly stronger emphasis on the feeling itself.

arouse wonder

Emphasizes the feeling of wonder, which is a component of awe, but less intense and encompassing.

fill with wonder

Highlights the act of imbuing someone or something with a sense of wonder, a related but distinct emotion.

ignite admiration

Stresses the sparking of admiration, focusing more on respect and approval than the overwhelming feeling of awe.

generate reverence

Implies a deeper level of respect and admiration, often associated with something sacred or highly valued.

produce amazement

Highlights the effect of causing surprise and astonishment, less focused on the deeper feeling of awe.

spark respect

Focuses on initiating respect, a more subdued emotion compared to awe, and may lack the element of wonder.

instill veneration

Suggests a profound respect and reverence, often reserved for figures of great importance or sacred objects.

call forth admiration

Indicates that something triggers admiration, but not necessarily the intense feeling of awe.

stir amazement

Focuses on creating a feeling of being greatly surprised or impressed.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "evoke awe" in a sentence?

To effectively use "evoke awe", ensure that the subject of your sentence is something truly impressive or inspiring. For instance, "The vastness of the Grand Canyon can "evoke awe" in visitors" demonstrates the power of nature to inspire profound wonder.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "evoke awe"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "inspire awe", "arouse wonder", or "fill with wonder". Each carries a slightly different emotional weight.

Is it grammatically correct to say "evokes awe" instead of "evoke awe"?

Yes, the grammatical correctness depends on the subject. Use "evokes awe" for singular subjects (e.g., "The painting evokes awe") and "evoke awe" for plural subjects (e.g., "The mountains evoke awe").

What's the difference between "evoke awe" and "command respect"?

"Evoke awe" refers to inspiring a feeling of reverence, wonder, and sometimes fear, whereas "command respect" implies eliciting admiration and deference, often based on authority or achievement. Awe involves a sense of the sublime, while respect focuses more on admiration and recognition.