in utter amazement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in utter amazement" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong feeling of surprise or wonder in response to something unexpected or extraordinary. Example: "She stood in utter amazement as the magician performed his final trick, leaving the audience speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I watch in utter amazement at the response to the hurricane disaster in New Orleans.

The Guardian

That morning, he writes, "I walked around the city in utter amazement at the miracle of life on earth, as if I had just been born".

The Guardian - Books

Hoffe was the secretary of Kafka's friend Max Brod, who preserved Kafka's manuscripts after the author instructed Brod to burn them.] I used to pass the apartment on Spinoza Street in Tel Aviv, where Eva Hoffe was holding his papers; and I would just stand there in utter amazement, at the idea that those papers were just mouldering there.

The Guardian - Books

But it's hard to sputter when your jaw has dropped to the floor in utter amazement, which may explain the lack of an immediate reaction this morning to the astonishing New York Times report about Harvey Pitt and his new accounting board czar, William Webster William Webster.

Forbes

What are you doing?' he howls in utter amazement".

Vice

When our driver brings his head out of his lap, he looks around at his surroundings in utter amazement.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He entered the store and uttered in pure amazement into the phone, "That is Moose.

Vice

Yet to my utter amazement in the past few years I have pursued all things Beethoven via recorded music, dozens of concerts, books, movies, lectures and the new electronic delivery systems, iTunes and YouTube.

Huffington Post

To the Editor: I was in Hainan in 1987, so it was with utter amazement that I read your Next Stop article, "The Surf's Always Up in the Chinese Hawaii," (March 15) and saw the pictures.

The New York Times

That, at least in part, and to the utter amazement of some Boston College alumni with football ambition, and to Bicknell's own astonishment, got him the BC job.

Los Angeles Times

With that, my 7-year-old looked at me with utter amazement and stammered, "But mommy, I thought you grew up in black and white".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in utter amazement" to convey a strong sense of surprise or wonder when witnessing something unexpected or remarkable. It adds emphasis and emotion to your writing.

Common error

While effective, avoid using "in utter amazement" too frequently. Vary your vocabulary with synonyms like "astonished", "stunned", or "awestruck" to maintain reader engagement and avoid sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in utter amazement" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is experienced. It indicates how someone perceives or reacts to something with a high degree of surprise or wonder. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in utter amazement" serves as a powerful adverbial phrase to convey a strong sense of surprise, wonder, or awe. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While not the most common phrase, it is found in reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, and is suitable for various contexts, ranging from news reporting to descriptive narratives. When using "in utter amazement", consider its slightly formal tone and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "astonished" or "awestruck" to add variety to your writing. The phrase is most frequently found in the News & Media category. As Ludwig's analysis demonstrates, "in utter amazement" is a valuable tool for expressing profound emotional reactions in a clear and impactful manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely astonished

This alternative replaces "utter amazement" with a single word, "astonished", intensifying the feeling of surprise.

in complete astonishment

This option replaces "utter amazement" with "complete astonishment", maintaining a similar level of formality and emphasis.

in total disbelief

While still conveying surprise, this phrase emphasizes the aspect of not believing something is real or true.

with stunned disbelief

This alternative highlights both the shock and the disbelief experienced.

utterly dumbfounded

This option suggests being so surprised that one is rendered speechless.

in absolute awe

This phrase focuses on a feeling of deep respect and wonder, rather than just surprise.

completely flabbergasted

This alternative suggests a more lighthearted and informal sense of astonishment.

with wide-eyed wonder

This phrase emphasizes the visual expression of amazement, suggesting a childlike sense of awe.

lost for words in surprise

This alternative emphasizes the inability to speak due to being overwhelmed by surprise.

taken aback by surprise

This phrase implies a sudden and unexpected shock or surprise.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in utter amazement" in a sentence?

Place "in utter amazement" after a verb of perception (e.g., watched, stared, gazed) to emphasize the intensity of the surprise or wonder. For example, "She watched "in utter amazement" as the magician performed his final trick".

What are some alternatives to "in utter amazement"?

You can use alternatives like "completely astonished", "in complete astonishment", or "in total disbelief" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "in utter amazement" formal or informal?

"In utter amazement" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It's suitable for most writing contexts, but for very informal situations, consider using more casual expressions.

What is the difference between "in utter amazement" and "in slight amazement"?

"In utter amazement" indicates a very strong feeling of surprise or wonder, while "in slight amazement" suggests a mild or moderate level of surprise. The word "utter" intensifies the emotion.