utterly in awe

USAGE SUMMARY

"utterly in awe" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is used to express how impressed or astonished someone is by something they have experienced. Example: "I was utterly in awe of the beauty of the Grand Canyon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I remain utterly in awe of the redoubtable Mrs Budworth," says Rachel Johnson.

Independent

I stripped down and eased into the water, utterly in awe of what surely must be one of the planet's best swimming holes.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Sat there, steely-gazed, utterly locked in concentration, we hovered awkwardly and in awe as players racked up insane combos and scores on games like DoDonPachi, Mushihimesama, and Battle Garegga.

Vice

Brother Deserve's listeners sat in awe.

The New Yorker

But in the present, it should be no surprise to me that Obama's Howard speech – like his past week – left me annoyed, angry, bemused, excited, inspired, in awe, and utterly fascinated.

The Guardian

In awe.

Independent

Was she in awe?

The New York Times

I was in awe.

The New York Times - Books

They were in awe.

The New York Times

Just in awe.

The New York Times

They are truly in awe".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly in awe" to express a very strong feeling of admiration and wonder, often in response to something beautiful, impressive, or unexpected. It is particularly effective when describing a personal experience or reaction.

Common error

Avoid using "utterly in awe" for minor events or casual compliments. Reserve it for truly remarkable experiences to maintain its impact and sincerity. For example, saying you are "utterly in awe" of someone's new haircut might sound exaggerated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly in awe" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to express a state of profound admiration and wonder. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct expression.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly in awe" is a grammatically sound and expressive way to convey a deep sense of admiration and wonder. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid phrase commonly found in News & Media contexts. While not overly common, its strong emotional connotation makes it suitable for describing remarkable experiences. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for truly impressive events to avoid diluting its impact, and consider more subdued alternatives for formal settings. Alternatives such as "deeply impressed", or "completely astonished" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in complete wonder

Shifts the focus to the state of wonder, rather than the intensity of feeling.

completely astonished

Emphasizes surprise and amazement; slightly stronger than "utterly in awe".

absolutely amazed

Similar to astonished, but with a sense of delight and wonder.

wholly astonished

Emphasizes the completeness of the astonishment.

deeply impressed

Focuses on the positive impact and admiration, less about the initial shock.

thoroughly impressed

Similar to deeply impressed; conveys a complete and positive feeling.

profoundly moved

Highlights the emotional impact, suggesting a deeper connection.

totally spellbound

Suggests a captivating and enchanting experience.

completely captivated

Highlights the enthralling and engaging nature of the experience.

greatly admiring

Focuses purely on admiration, less on the initial feeling of awe.

FAQs

What does "utterly in awe" mean?

The phrase "utterly in awe" means to be completely and profoundly filled with admiration, respect, and wonder, often inspired by something beautiful, powerful, or impressive.

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

You can use "utterly in awe" to describe your feelings when experiencing something extraordinary, like "I was "completely astonished" by the beauty of the Northern Lights" or "She stood "in complete wonder" at the sight of the ancient ruins".

What are some alternatives to "utterly in awe"?

Alternatives include "deeply impressed", "absolutely amazed", "profoundly moved", or "in complete wonder", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "utterly in awe" in formal writing?

While "utterly in awe" is grammatically correct, its intensity may be more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal or professional contexts, consider more subdued alternatives like "deeply impressed" or "greatly admiring".