sheer amazement

USAGE SUMMARY

"sheer amazement" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of intense surprise. For example: When I saw the size of the diamond, I was filled with sheer amazement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But for sheer amazement, the mating behavior of the squid, Octopoteuthis deletron, has to rank near the top.

The New York Times - Science

Sheer amazement at the bakers' skills is one of the reasons why people enjoy the show so much.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was also the sheer amazement at the very existence of this thing, and the constant wondering whence it had come and why.

The New York Times

The circus balls up the world's flamboyance and presents it for our entertainment -- provoking apprehension, belly laughter, exotic poignance, sheer amazement and even, perhaps, an abbreviated affection for a particular stranger's brave grace.

The New York Times - Books

Looking at them on the coast, I sometimes used to sing to them, although I always wondered whether the reason they swam close and stared was their attraction to my voice or sheer amazement at such a din.

The Guardian

What Cooper expresses is dumbfounded wonder, sheer amazement that anyone could ever have done what Whitey Bulger and his crew did, and then have gotten away with it for as long as they did.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

I recall watching in sheer, open-mouthed amazement at the raw physical power of it.

Huffington Post

Not out of a sense of obligation, but out of sheer love and amazement for all its art treasures.

Huffington Post

Kancheli's Kapote for accordion and orchestra, a UK premiere, was hypnotic, too, but only because of stunned amazement at its sheer awfulness.

The Guardian - Music

Alcoholic and impetuous, Henri, who arrives unexpectedly with his new lover, Faunia (Emmanuelle Devos), jolts the rest of the family into spasms of pity, resentment and half-admiring amazement at his sheer nerve.

The New York Times

"But I love the 'Roadshow,' " I always say. "So do I!" they all rapidly reply, their voices now inflected with measures of amazement, delight and sheer relief at no longer having to bear this secret alone.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer amazement" to describe a feeling of profound surprise and wonder, often in response to something unexpected or remarkable. It adds emphasis to the level of astonishment experienced.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer amazement" in contexts where simple surprise or wonder would suffice. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving truly exceptional astonishment, not commonplace occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer amazement" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. It describes a state of profound astonishment and emphasizes the intensity of the feeling. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for expressing a feeling of intense surprise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer amazement" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a feeling of intense surprise and wonder. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. Analysis of its usage reveals that it primarily appears in News & Media sources, conveying a neutral register. While alternatives like "absolute astonishment" and "utter disbelief" exist, "sheer amazement" effectively emphasizes the depth of the astonishment experienced. To use it best, reserve it for truly exceptional moments, avoid overuse in commonplace situations, and consider the context to determine if a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absolute astonishment

Emphasizes the completeness of the astonishment, suggesting a total state of surprise.

complete surprise

Stresses the unexpected nature of the event or revelation.

pure wonder

Focuses on the positive, awe-inspiring aspect of the surprise.

profound astonishment

Highlights the depth and intensity of the astonishment.

utter disbelief

Highlights the lack of belief in what is being observed or experienced.

dumbfounded wonder

Suggests a state of being speechless and amazed.

total shock

Indicates a sudden and often unsettling surprise.

staggering surprise

Implies the surprise is so great it is almost overwhelming.

unmitigated surprise

Emphasizes that the surprise is not lessened or diminished in any way.

overwhelming awe

Conveys a sense of being overpowered by the amazing quality of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer amazement" to describe a situation that causes a profound sense of surprise and wonder. For example, "I watched in "sheer amazement" as the magician performed the impossible trick."

What are some alternative ways to express "sheer amazement"?

Alternatives include "absolute astonishment", "utter disbelief", or "pure wonder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer amazement" more formal or informal?

"Sheer amazement" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news reporting and descriptive writing. It strikes a balance between conveying strong emotion and maintaining a neutral tone.

What's the difference between "sheer amazement" and "great surprise"?

"Sheer amazement" implies a deeper, more profound level of wonder and astonishment than "great surprise". While "great surprise" simply indicates an unexpected event, "sheer amazement" suggests a feeling of awe and disbelief.