full of awe

USAGE SUMMARY

"full of awe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has deeply impressed you, usually through a combination of admiration and fear. For example, "She stood in front of the ancient ruins, full of awe at their grandeur."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

It's like the original definition of awful -- terrible, but full of awe.

Huffington Post

Innocent, full of awe.

The New Yorker

"It felt wonderful," she says, voice still full of awe.

The Guardian

Gravel's description of working together toward a common goal was enviable — so full of awe, so short on arguing.

The New York Times

"In America you can get all your presidents as dolls," she says, her voice full of awe.

The New York Times - Arts

"We get a lot of guests from landlocked states who are so full of awe getting on the boat".

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

(Many met for the first time this weekend). But the festival made an effort to include local groups like Tortoise and Andrew Bird ("a heart full of awe-inspiring song," 8.3), a singer, songwriter, violinist and whistler who charmed the hometown crowd.

The New York Times - Arts

It pulls you in and then pushes you away, so that you leave saying, "Wow, how awful" without having experienced a full measure of awe.

The New York Times

Writing on Twitter, Ms Clinton, 34, said they were "full of love, awe and gratitude".

Independent

Stravinsky's music, full of religious awe and humanistic wisdom, mirrors both readings.

The New York Times - Arts

Marc and I are full of love, awe and gratitude as we celebrate the birth of our daughter, Charlotte Clinton Mezvinsky.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "full of awe" to convey a deep sense of respect and wonder, often when encountering something grand, powerful, or mysterious. Consider the specific emotion you want to evoke; if the emphasis is on admiration alone, alternatives like "impressed" might be more suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "full of awe" when the situation only warrants simple admiration or appreciation. Awe involves a sense of reverence and sometimes fear, so ensure the context aligns with this deeper emotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "full of awe" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun to describe someone or something experiencing or expressing a profound feeling of reverence, respect, and wonder. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with examples from various reputable sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "full of awe" effectively communicates a profound sense of wonder, respect, and sometimes, even a touch of fear, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. While grammatically sound and understandable, it's important to reserve this expression for situations that truly evoke such intense emotions, distinguishing it from mere admiration. The expression appears most often in News & Media, but also in Academia and Science. Some alternative expressions include "awed", "filled with wonder", and "amazed", each carrying slightly different connotations. Choosing the right phrase depends on the specific context and the emotional nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awed

A single word that succinctly captures the state of being filled with awe.

filled with wonder

Replaces "awe" with "wonder", emphasizing the feeling of amazement.

amazed

Similar to 'awed', but may imply a more surprised reaction than a deeply respectful one.

struck with wonder

Implies a sudden feeling of wonder.

in admiration

Focuses on the admiring aspect of awe, omitting the element of fear or reverence.

reverent

Focuses on the respectful and solemn aspect of awe.

deeply impressed

Highlights the impact something has had on someone, causing a feeling similar to awe.

overwhelmed with admiration

Emphasizes the intensity of the admiration.

inspired

Suggests a feeling of motivation and upliftment, often resulting from something awe-inspiring.

dumbstruck

Emphasizes the astonishment and speechlessness caused by something awe-inspiring.

FAQs

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

You can use "full of awe" to describe someone's reaction to something impressive or inspiring. For example, "The tourists stood before the Grand Canyon, "filled with awe"."

What are some alternatives to "full of awe"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives such as "awed", "filled with wonder", or "amazed".

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

Yes, "full of awe" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing experiences that evoke a sense of profound respect and wonder. However, ensure that it aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your piece.

What is the difference between "full of awe" and "full of admiration"?

"Full of awe" implies a deeper, more profound emotion that includes a sense of reverence or wonder, sometimes mixed with fear. "Full of admiration", on the other hand, suggests a feeling of respect and approval, but without the element of awe.