expression of wonder

USAGE SUMMARY

"expression of wonder" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of showing surprise or amazement in one's words or facial expressions. Example: As she walked into the grand ballroom, her jaw dropped in an expression of wonder. The sparkling chandeliers and ornate decorations left her in awe.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Following the vote, they scribbled in the correct percentage number & distributed the prepackaged expression of wonder to the press.

The New Yorker

The fight in him was an expression of life, will, engagement with the world; an expression of wonder, ultimately.

The Guardian - Books

Nanu came to the gate in a lavender sari, with an expression of wonder, as if she hadn't really expected her granddaughter to appear.

The New Yorker

In the words of the novelist Ian McEwan, edge.org is "open-minded, free-ranging, intellectually playful… an unadorned pleasure in curiosity, a collective expression of wonder at the living and inanimate world… an ongoing and thrilling colloquium".

The Guardian

Excess serves very different functions for each of them, whether as an expression of wonder, adaptability, individuality, free will; or as a means of self-fashioning; even as a survival tactic.

The New York Times

So when I see people stopping to take photographs of wildlife sculpture, I think about the authentic experience that it provides and the expression of wonder that it represents -- and I do not feel that the tourists are people who are satisfied with shallow, inauthentic experiences.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A unique, uncanny moment was framed by the most familiar and predictable kind of coverage and commentary: Anchors, compelled to say something, reached for trite metaphors and hyperbolic expressions of wonder ("Our secular version of a miracle," according to one CNN commentator) that didn't begin to match the reality unfolding live behind them.

The New York Times

Even wonder can serve a social purpose: Malebranche interprets the behavior of small dogs in the presence of a larger dog as expressions of wonder that work toward their self-preservation.

SEP

Hyper kids and exhausted parents alike ceased bickering, yawning, and texting and ran to the dogs, wearing identical expressions of wonder.

Vice

They were not devoting their time and efforts to excelling in music and the arts for a monetary reward or a high grade; their true reward was the applause and their own sense of accomplishment that followed a recital or concert at which they performed or the expressions of wonder at the viewers of their works of art.

Huffington Post

The following year she was allowed to accompany four other girls on a cultural trip to Paris, Florence and Venice; her letters home are full of expressions of wonder at the sights and treasures: "I had no idea I was so fond of pictures ... if only I had a room of my own I would make it a regular picture gallery".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expression of wonder" to describe a moment when someone visibly and audibly shows surprise or amazement at something remarkable.

Common error

While acceptable, in very formal or academic writing, consider stronger synonyms like "astonishment" or "awe" to maintain a serious tone. Alternatives like "manifestation of awe" may be more suitable in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expression of wonder" functions primarily as a noun phrase, describing a visible or audible manifestation of surprise, awe, or amazement. It is often used to characterize a person's reaction to something remarkable or unexpected, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "expression of wonder" is a grammatically correct and generally acceptable way to describe a visible or audible manifestation of awe, surprise, or amazement. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's important to consider the context and register when using it. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources, in more formal or academic settings, consider alternatives such as "manifestation of awe" or "display of astonishment" to convey a stronger sense of formality. Remember to use "expression of wonder" to describe a genuine reaction to something remarkable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling of awe

Highlights the emotion of awe, indicating deep respect and wonder.

sense of amazement

Focuses on the internal feeling of amazement rather than its external display.

manifestation of awe

Substitutes 'expression' with 'manifestation' and 'wonder' with 'awe', highlighting a deep, respectful feeling.

display of astonishment

Replaces 'expression' with 'display' and 'wonder' with 'astonishment', focusing on the visible manifestation of surprise.

state of astonishment

Emphasizes the condition of being astonished, a stronger form of wonder.

reaction of surprise

Shifts the focus to a sudden reaction, implying a feeling of wonderment.

act of marveling

Changes the structure to emphasize the action of experiencing wonder, rather than the outward expression.

demonstration of awe

Focuses on a clear and intentional showing of awe.

outburst of amazement

Conveys a more sudden and vocal expression of amazement.

air of astonishment

Suggests a subtle, pervasive feeling of astonishment.

FAQs

How can I use "expression of wonder" in a sentence?

You can use "expression of wonder" to describe a facial or vocal reaction to something surprising or amazing. For example, "Her face lit up in an expression of wonder when she saw the Northern Lights."

What are some synonyms for "expression of wonder"?

Alternatives include "display of astonishment", "manifestation of awe", or "sense of amazement" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "expression of wonder" formal or informal?

"Expression of wonder" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, stronger alternatives might be preferred.

What's the difference between "expression of wonder" and "expression of surprise"?

"Expression of surprise" is a broader term indicating a reaction to something unexpected, while "expression of wonder" specifically implies a sense of awe and amazement, often at something beautiful or extraordinary.