ow

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "ow" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal.
It can be used to express pain or discomfort, often in a casual or conversational context.
Example: "Ow! That really hurt when I stubbed my toe on the table."
Alternatives: "Ouch!" or "That hurts!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I was sitting there having a cigarette and three girls come running by, jogging and see me and come: "Ow, ow… " [wags finger].

The Guardian - Arts

Norman scribes wrote Old English y as u, ȳ as ui, ū as ou (ow when final).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Long ā (Old Norse á) was rounded to å (pronunciation similar to the o in English order; in Icelandic and West Norwegian, pronunciation is like the ow in English now).

Encyclopedia Britannica

There is some shifting between "ou" and "ow".

Independent

The video uploaded online shows Mr Cruz attempting to embrace his daughter, Caroline, as she tries to squirm away and flick him in the face to keep him at bay - while shouting "ow, ow, ow".

Independent

Based on the foot massage I endured, though, I'd recommend that you first learn the Chinese words for "Ow, not so hard".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Even the pronunciation can be a challenge; try replacing the "er" sound in "shower" with "me" (that is, "sh-ow-me").

The Guardian - Tech

Thank god, then for the encore of 'Scream & Shout', with its oh-wee-ohh-ee-ow-eeh-oww refrain and Britney's giant  face declaiming in a cold European accent.

Independent

All together now, "what reason do you need to be show-ow-ow-ow-own"?

Independent

When the choir ended a take of "Oklahoma!" with a spirited "Yo!" Mr. Bilella corrected them: "Not yo, yee-ow," he said.

The New York Times

"No, Ow-rra, we've already paid for bus tickets — we need to stop throwing money away!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ow" to express sudden, sharp pain or discomfort in informal contexts. It's a quick and effective interjection to signal a painful experience.

Common error

Avoid using "ow" in formal writing. In academic papers or business reports, it's best to use more descriptive language to convey pain or discomfort.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "ow" is that of an interjection. It serves as an exclamation expressing sudden pain, surprise, or discomfort. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in direct speech and narrative contexts, confirming its role as a spontaneous expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The interjection "ow" is a common and grammatically correct way to express sudden pain or discomfort, according to Ludwig. It is most appropriate in informal contexts such as casual conversation and dialogue. While "ow" effectively conveys immediate reactions, it should be avoided in formal writing where more descriptive language is preferred. Ludwig AI's analysis of numerous examples shows that "ow" primarily functions to signal a physical or emotional response, making it a useful, albeit informal, part of expressing sensation.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ouch

A very common alternative interjection to express sudden pain.

Yow

Similar to "ow" but less frequently used.

That hurt

A direct statement acknowledging the experience of pain.

That stings

Describes a sharp, acute pain.

That smarts

An alternative expression for acknowledging pain.

Goodness

A milder expression of surprise or discomfort.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use "ow" in writing?

"Ow" is appropriate in informal writing, dialogue, or when directly quoting someone expressing pain. It's generally avoided in formal or academic contexts.

What are some alternatives to "ow" that express pain?

Alternatives include "ouch", "that hurt", or simply describing the sensation of pain.

Is "ow" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "ow" is a grammatically correct interjection used to express sudden pain. However, its usage is limited to informal contexts.

How does "ow" differ from "ouch"?

Both "ow" and "ouch" are interjections expressing pain, but "ouch" is slightly more common and versatile. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or the desired tone.