sat in awe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sat in awe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being amazed or filled with wonder, often in response to something impressive or extraordinary. Example: "As the magician performed his final trick, the audience sat in awe, unable to believe their eyes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Brother Deserve's listeners sat in awe.

The New Yorker

When he came to visit, I sat in awe as he played our upright.

The New Yorker

We sat in awe for a moment at the various perspectives, backgrounds and motives of each OWS contributor and their journey through this burgeoning movement.

The Guardian - Opinion

I sat in awe as Gwen explained how her deftly managed image concealed her true identity that of a half-aquatic, half-terrestrial vertebrate.

The New Yorker

As I sat in awe of what I had just seen, described by French as "truly one of the greatest of all Challenge Cup finals", I wondered if this was the norm for the new sport I had stumbled upon.

The Guardian - Sport

reunion panel, which began with several hundred people listening to "Heroin" together, in the dark; in 2013, a memorial event for Reed in the grove of trees outside the L.P.A., with his music played loudly and gloriously; and last summer, at Lincoln Center, in a drone exhibit at an all-day Reed-fest, in which people just sat in awe of the glory of feedback.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Then as our friend sat in awed silence, it repeated.

The New Yorker

The Philharmonic's musicians were not always Mr. Masur's biggest fans, having complained about what they considered a dictatorial approach early in his tenure; but this time they played brilliantly, and when the work ended, the audience sat in awed silence for about 15 seconds after the final chord faded away.

The New York Times - Arts

Passengers are clearly meant to sit in awe, thankful to get a ride.

The New York Times

Indeed, one could revisit this performance countless times and continue to sit in awe of the skill with which this veteran of the Chicago and New York stage shifts moods, demanding in turn that we alter our perspective on a mother (and addict) who is at once predator and prey, envenomed and victimized.

The New York Times - Arts

Maybe we just need to sit in awe of one of the more surreal scenes we've seen this year.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sat in awe" to describe a moment of profound admiration or wonder, particularly when the act of sitting is relevant to the scene, creating a sense of stillness and observation.

Common error

Avoid using "sat in awe" when the act of sitting is not deliberate or relevant to the feeling of awe. If the focus is solely on the feeling, alternatives like "was mesmerized" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sat in awe" functions as a descriptive verb phrase. It describes a state of being (sitting) combined with an emotional state (awe). Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability in English, indicating that the phrase is grammatically accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sat in awe" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression that describes a state of profound admiration and wonder. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in English writing. Its communicative purpose is to convey an intense emotional reaction to something impressive, often emphasizing both the feeling of awe and the stillness of observation. While appropriate for various contexts, it's particularly frequent in news media and descriptive narratives. Consider alternative phrases like "was filled with wonder" or "gazed in amazement" for variations in emphasis. Remember to use "sat in awe" when the act of sitting enhances the sense of observation and reverence. The phrase's strength lies in its ability to paint a picture of quiet, captivated attention in the face of something extraordinary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was mesmerized by

Suggests a trance-like state induced by something fascinating, implying a deeper level of absorption.

gazed in amazement

Focuses on the act of gazing with amazement, highlighting the visual aspect of the experience.

watched in wonderment

Similar to 'gazed in amazement' but emphasizes a childlike sense of wonder.

was filled with wonder

Emphasizes the emotional state of being filled with wonder, rather than the physical act of sitting.

was captivated by

Highlights the captivating nature of the subject causing the awe, indicating a strong attraction or interest.

beheld with admiration

Highlights the admiration felt towards the subject, suggesting a sense of respect and approval.

contemplated with reverence

Implies a more thoughtful and respectful form of awe, often associated with religious or spiritual experiences.

was struck by the grandeur

Focuses on the impressive and magnificent nature of what is being observed.

was impressed beyond words

Highlights the inexpressible nature of the impression made, suggesting an overwhelming positive experience.

was dumbfounded by the spectacle

Emphasizes the speechless and bewildered state caused by an impressive display.

FAQs

What does "sat in awe" mean?

The phrase "sat in awe" describes a state of being filled with deep reverence, respect, and wonder, often experienced while observing something impressive or extraordinary. It implies a sense of stillness and captivated attention.

What are some synonyms for "sat in awe"?

Alternatives to "sat in awe" include "was filled with wonder", "gazed in amazement", or "was mesmerized by" depending on the context.

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

You can use "sat in awe" to describe someone's reaction to an impressive performance, a natural wonder, or any situation that evokes deep admiration. For example, "The audience sat in awe as the orchestra played the final movement."

Is it always necessary to include the word 'sat' when describing a feeling of awe?

No, it's not always necessary. The inclusion of 'sat' emphasizes the physical act of sitting and observing, which might be relevant in certain contexts. If the focus is purely on the feeling of awe, you could use phrases like "was awed" or "felt awe".