sheer awe

USAGE SUMMARY

'sheer awe' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe an intense feeling of admiration or wonder. For example, "The sight of the towering mountains filled me with sheer awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

(And we are supposed to step back in sheer awe).

The New York Times

I stopped breathing, not through fear, but from sheer awe and wonder.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If this sounds vaguely blasphemous then it is an indication of the other obstacle to writing about Coltrane: the sheer awe he inspires.

The Guardian - Books

"There is nothing of the naïve in any of these paintings," he wrote, "but it is yet their innocence, their artlessness, their air of sheer awe and wonderment that so disconcerts us".

The New York Times - Arts

But knee-jerk resistance at the sight of the nondescript global emblems of new capitalist sprawl that he photographs is short-circuited by sheer awe at the incredible, sublimely weird, almost erotic glamour he imparts to them.

The New York Times - Arts

Since the 13 November attacks there has been much political analysis and talk of geopolitics on the airwaves, but what really dominates conversations among friends and family is sadness, sheer awe, and a need to collectively reconnect with fundamental values.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Sheer awe-inspiring mastery.

Vice

Sheer fear, sheer terror.

Independent

There was no dejection or taunting or elation to eclipse the efforts made -- just sheer appreciation and awe.

Huffington Post

Before analysis, let us admit to awe: the sheer scale of the moment requires it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The site's consensus states "Jurassic Park is a spectacle of special effects and life-like animatronics, with some of Spielberg's best sequences of sustained awe and sheer terror since Jaws".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer awe" to convey a sense of profound admiration or wonder, particularly when describing something unexpectedly impressive or powerful.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer awe" when a simpler expression of admiration would suffice. "Sheer" should emphasize the intensity of the awe, not just add emphasis.

Linguistic Context

Sheer awe functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the subject complement. Ludwig indicates that it correctly expresses an intense feeling of admiration or wonder. The phrase amplifies the sensation through the adjective 'sheer'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sheer awe" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to express a powerful feeling of admiration or wonder. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media contexts, indicating its broad applicability. When using "sheer awe", ensure that the context justifies the intensity of the emotion being conveyed. Consider using alternatives like "pure awe" or "unadulterated awe" for nuanced expressions of the same sentiment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pure awe

Emphasizes the genuineness and unmixed nature of the awe.

unadulterated awe

Similar to pure awe, highlighting the lack of any diluting elements in the feeling.

utter awe

Indicates a complete and profound feeling of awe.

straightforward awe

Highlights that the awe is simple and uncomplicated.

absolute awe

Emphasizes the totality and completeness of the awe.

great awe

Indicates a significant level of awe.

huge awe

Implies a large and impressive feeling of awe.

enormous awe

Highlights the vastness or immensity of the awe experienced.

overwhelming awe

Suggests that the feeling of awe is powerful and difficult to resist.

simple awe

Highlights that the awe is coming from something elementary, but still very impressive.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer awe" to describe a feeling of profound admiration or wonder. For example, "The audience watched in "sheer awe" as the acrobat performed death-defying stunts."

What words are similar to "sheer awe"?

Similar expressions include "pure awe", "utter awe", or "profound admiration". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "sheer awe and wonder"?

Yes, "sheer awe and wonder" is a perfectly acceptable and even common expression. It emphasizes both the feeling of admiration and amazement.

What's the difference between "sheer awe" and "respect"?

"Sheer awe" implies a feeling of wonder and amazement, often in response to something impressive or powerful. "Respect", on the other hand, suggests admiration and high regard, usually earned through achievement or character.