how awful

USAGE SUMMARY

"how awful" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to express shock or dismay about something. For example: "I just heard that the Smiths lost their house in the storm. How awful!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"How awful, how awful".

The New Yorker

How awful.

The New York Times

How awful it can be.

Independent

How awful must that feel?

The New York Times

I can imagine how awful.

The New Yorker

How awful, our daughter said.

The Guardian - Books

"How awful this all is," she sighed.

The New Yorker

No matter how awful it gets.

The New Yorker

She tells me how awful she was.

Independent

How thrilling that would be; how awful.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ken Livingstone How awful for you.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language when expressing dismay. While "how awful" is acceptable, using synonyms like "how terrible" or "how dreadful" can add nuance and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "how awful" excessively in formal writing. In professional contexts, opt for more nuanced expressions of concern or disappointment, such as "it is regrettable that..." or "this is a matter of concern."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how awful" functions as an exclamatory expression. It is used to express a strong negative reaction, such as shock, dismay, or disapproval, in response to something unpleasant or unfortunate. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how awful" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey strong negative emotions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for general use, particularly in informal and neutral contexts. While it appears frequently in news and media, indicating its broad applicability, it is less appropriate for highly formal or academic writing. For expressing similar sentiments in varied ways, consider using alternatives such as "how terrible" or "that's awful". Remember to use the phrase judiciously and with awareness of the specific context to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how terrible

Focuses on the severity or unpleasantness of the situation.

how dreadful

Emphasizes the fear or apprehension associated with the situation.

how horrible

Highlights the shocking or offensive nature of the situation.

how horrendous

Stresses the extreme or shocking nature of the situation.

how appalling

Indicates a sense of outrage or disgust at the situation.

how shocking

Focuses on the surprise and disbelief caused by the situation.

how tragic

Highlights the sadness and loss associated with the situation.

how unfortunate

Emphasizes the bad luck or regrettable nature of the situation.

what a shame

Expresses regret or disappointment about the situation.

that's terrible

A more direct statement of disapproval or sympathy.

FAQs

How can I use "how awful" in a sentence?

"How awful" is typically used as an exclamation to express strong negative emotion in response to something unpleasant. For example, "I heard about the accident – "how awful"!"

What can I say instead of "how awful"?

You can use alternatives like "how terrible", "how dreadful", or "how horrible" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "how awful" formal or informal?

"How awful" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, you might choose phrases like "it's regrettable" or "that is unfortunate" to express similar sentiments with greater politeness.

What's the difference between "how awful" and "that's awful"?

"How awful" is typically used as an exclamation expressing immediate reaction, whereas "that's awful" is a statement. "How awful!" expresses more immediate shock than saying "That is awful".