utter amazement

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter amazement" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of intense surprise or astonishment. Example: The magician's disappearing act left the audience in utter amazement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"My first thought was absolute and utter amazement," he said.

The New York Times

To his utter amazement, the censorship commission accepted the work on the first go-round.

The New York Times - Arts

To the doctors' utter amazement, there was no blockage; his heart looked fine.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The mood here is a blend of frustration, desperation and utter amazement".

The New York Times

When I said "handbag", it was with utter amazement and disgust.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All you could say about that appointment was that, to my utter amazement, George W. Bush, whether he meant to or not, restored irony to American political life.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

He entered the store and uttered in pure amazement into the phone, "That is Moose.

Vice

The exclamations of amazement uttered by fellow immigrants — young and old — are accompanied by the steady whir of 14 electric trains and streetcars that run in loops around the city's fancifully scrambled geography.

The New York Times - Arts

"I had been misdiagnosed — can you imagine that, a doctor misdiagnosing a doctor?" Bortolazzo said with a look of amazement and utter delight.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon after seeing Andy Kaufman's legendary TV special in the summer of 1979, I described it as post-humor — comedy in which laughter is replaced by amazement, in which the incongruities that emerge from utter ordinariness are raised to a cosmic dimension.

The New Yorker

Some amazement".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter amazement" to emphasize a strong feeling of surprise or astonishment, particularly when describing reactions to unexpected events or revelations. For instance, "To my utter amazement, the offer was accepted!"

Common error

While "utter amazement" is acceptable in news and media, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more nuanced or sophisticated vocabulary to convey surprise, such as "profound astonishment" or "sheer disbelief".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter amazement" functions as a noun phrase that expresses a state of profound surprise or astonishment. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is commonly used, and the examples demonstrate its role in describing reactions to unexpected or remarkable events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Books

12%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utter amazement" is a commonly used phrase to express a strong feeling of surprise or astonishment. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's a versatile expression, overuse in formal contexts should be avoided. Alternatives such as "complete astonishment" or "sheer disbelief" can provide more nuanced expressions. By understanding its function, purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "utter amazement" to enhance their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete astonishment

Replaces "amazement" with "astonishment" and "utter" with "complete", maintaining a similar level of intensity.

pure amazement

Similar to "utter amazement", emphasizing the purity and completeness of the feeling.

total surprise

Uses "surprise" as the core emotion, conveying the unexpected nature of the event.

sheer disbelief

Focuses on the inability to believe what is happening, highlighting the incredulity aspect.

absolute wonder

Emphasizes the positive and awe-inspiring aspect of the experience.

profound astonishment

Uses a more formal tone with "profound", suggesting a deep and significant impact.

deep surprise

A simpler, more direct way to express a significant level of surprise.

extreme astonishment

Highlights the intensity of the astonishment.

unmitigated wonder

Implies that the wonder is pure and untainted by any negative feelings.

unbelievable astonishment

Focuses on how hard it is to accept what one is seeing or hearing.

FAQs

How can I use "utter amazement" in a sentence?

"Utter amazement" is used to describe a feeling of complete surprise or astonishment. For example, "She stared in utter amazement at the sight of the Northern Lights."

What can I say instead of "utter amazement"?

You can use alternatives like "complete astonishment", "sheer disbelief", or "absolute wonder" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "total amazement" instead of "utter amazement"?

Yes, "total amazement" is a valid alternative. Both phrases convey a strong sense of surprise, but "utter amazement" might suggest a slightly deeper level of astonishment.

What's the difference between "amazement" and "astonishment"?

"Amazement" and "astonishment" are very similar, both indicating surprise. "Astonishment" often implies a greater degree of surprise or wonder than simple "amazement".