in total awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in total awe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe a feeling of utter amazement or admiration. For example: "I stood there in total awe, unable to put into words the breathtaking beauty of the natural landscape around me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I stumbled out in total awe.

The New Yorker

He's not a 21-year-old guy who's in total awe of the big leagues".

The New York Times - Sports

"When we saw it, we were in total awe," said Ms. Johnson, 26, an art gallery director.

The New York Times

I've spent the last two weeks in total awe of you dudes, smoother in deep water than Hoogie and the Thorpedo, tighter than C. J. and Marion, braver than Rulon Gardner grappling with the Siberian Meanie.

The New York Times - Sports

Neil, six years younger, reckons he grew up "in total awe" of Tim, who became a pop star in New Zealand soon after forming band called Split Enz in 1972.

The Guardian - Music

Curiously though, once you have stopped grieving for all the characters doomed to remain at best lonely and unfulfilled, at worst maimed or dead, you are left in total awe that someone at the age of 23 could write so compellingly and so confidently about the underlying spiritual isolation of the human condition.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It was easy casting; the part called for a metropolitan city to sit in complete and total awe as a masked superhero saved its day.

Huffington Post

At first it was like total awe, total respect.

The New York Times - Sports

Kubrick's grand vision still inspires total awe today.

The Guardian - Film

"I was in total and utter awe as my eyes met with a vast panorama". Thompson entered the 38-metre monument, which was constructed between 1926 and 1931, via scaffolding and was helped to the top by two workmen.

BBC

"As I popped my head out of the hole in Jesus' crown, I was in total and utter awe as my eyes met with a vast panorama that quite literally took my breath away," Thompson wrote.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in total awe" to vividly describe a moment of overwhelming admiration or amazement, especially when witnessing something extraordinary or unexpected.

Common error

Avoid using "in total awe" to describe ordinary or everyday situations. This phrase is most effective when conveying a profound sense of wonder or deep respect, not for commonplace experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in total awe" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the manner in which someone experiences something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in total awe" effectively conveys a strong feeling of admiration, respect, or amazement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While synonyms like "awestruck" or deeply impressed exist, "in total awe" provides a vivid description of an overwhelming emotional experience. When writing, it’s best to reserve this phrase for situations that genuinely evoke a sense of profound wonder rather than mundane occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awestruck

A single word conveying the same meaning as the original phrase.

utterly amazed

Emphasizes the completeness of amazement, similar to "total" in the original phrase.

completely astonished

Highlights the surprise aspect of awe, with "completely" mirroring "total".

deeply impressed

Focuses on the positive impact and respect felt, akin to being in awe.

speechless with amazement

Highlights the inability to speak due to being overwhelmed by awe.

filled with wonder

Captures the sense of amazement and curiosity associated with awe.

profoundly moved

Highlights the emotional impact, suggesting a deep and significant experience.

struck with admiration

Emphasizes the positive regard and respect felt.

reverentially impressed

Implies a sense of deep respect and veneration.

deeply respectful

Focuses primarily on the respect aspect of awe.

FAQs

How can I use "in total awe" in a sentence?

You can use "in total awe" to describe a feeling of overwhelming respect or amazement. For example, "I stood "in total awe" as the orchestra played the final note."

What is a synonym for "in total awe"?

Alternatives to "in total awe" include "awestruck", deeply impressed, or filled with wonder.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "in total awe"?

The phrase "in total awe" is appropriate when describing a moment of profound admiration, reverence, or astonishment. It suits situations that evoke a strong emotional response.

What's the difference between "in complete awe" and "in total awe"?

While both "in complete awe" and "in total awe" express strong feelings of amazement, "in total awe" suggests a more overwhelming or encompassing sense of wonder. The phrases are often interchangeable.