oh dear

USAGE SUMMARY

"oh dear" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to express dismay or surprise. For example, "Oh dear, I think I left my keys in the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

OH DEAR, Oh dear.

The New York Times - Books

Gilbert: oh dear.

The Economist

Oh dear God.

The Guardian - Opinion

Oh dear Au contraire.

The Guardian - Music

(Subtext: Oh dear).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Oh dear of dear.

BBC

Oh dear lord.

TechCrunch

"Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear.

The New Yorker

Oh dear.

The New York Times

Oh dear, Rafa, oh dear.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

911 OPERATOR Oh dear.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "oh dear" to express mild disappointment, surprise, or concern in response to minor setbacks or unexpected news. It's suitable for polite conversation and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "oh dear" in formal or professional settings, as it can come across as overly whimsical or insincere. Opt for more direct and professional expressions of concern, such as "I'm sorry to hear that" or "That's unfortunate".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "oh dear" is as an interjection. It is used to express a spontaneous feeling or reaction, such as dismay, surprise, or mild concern. Ludwig examples show it used in response to unexpected or unfortunate situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Oh dear" is a common interjection used to express mild dismay, surprise, or concern. According to Ludwig, it is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. Its use is most prevalent in news and media, with a neutral to informal register. While widely accepted, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Alternatives include "dear me" and "oh my". Use "oh dear" judiciously to convey the appropriate level of emotion without sounding overly dramatic or insincere.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dear me

Slightly more formal and old-fashioned.

oh my

A more general expression of surprise or concern.

good heavens

An exclamation of surprise or shock.

oh no

Directly expresses disappointment or worry about something negative.

alas

A more literary and sorrowful expression of regret.

woe is me

Emphasizes personal distress or misfortune.

what a pity

Expresses regret or disappointment about a situation.

that's a shame

Indicates something is unfortunate or regrettable.

how unfortunate

More formal expression of something going wrong.

what a mess

Focuses on the chaotic or problematic nature of the situation.

FAQs

How can I use "oh dear" in a sentence?

"Oh dear" is typically used as an interjection to express mild surprise, disappointment, or concern. For example, you might say, "Oh dear, I seem to have misplaced my keys."

What are some alternatives to saying "oh dear"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "dear me", "oh my", or "good heavens" to express similar sentiments.

When is it appropriate to use "oh dear"?

"Oh dear" is suitable for informal settings and polite conversations where you want to express mild concern or surprise without being overly dramatic. It's less appropriate in formal or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "oh dear" and "oh no"?

"Oh dear" typically expresses mild disappointment or concern, while "oh no" indicates a stronger sense of alarm or worry about something negative that has happened or is about to happen.