walking on air

USAGE SUMMARY

"walking on air" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is an idiom that has been used to describe a feeling of great happiness and elation. For example, "He was walking on air after he received the good news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We stop walking on air.

Independent

"I'm walking on air".

The New York Times

But everyone else is walking on air.

Independent

Instead, he is walking on air.

Independent

He could start walking on air".

The New Yorker

"I was walking on air," she recalled.

The New Yorker

Giddy Republicans stopped walking on air.

The New York Times

You leave this show walking on air.

The New York Times - Arts

"It feels like walking on air," she said.

The New York Times - Travel

Instead, I left the cinema walking on air".

The Guardian - Film

"We're walking on air, we're so happy," Mr. Beach said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "walking on air" to vividly describe a feeling of extreme happiness or elation, especially when someone has received good news or achieved a significant success. It's most effective when capturing a sense of lightness and joy.

Common error

Avoid using "walking on air" in situations where the happiness is only mild or moderate. The phrase implies a very strong emotional response and can sound exaggerated if applied to trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "walking on air" functions as a descriptive phrase, adding color and emotional depth to writing. It vividly conveys a feeling of extreme happiness. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples demonstrating its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "walking on air" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe a state of extreme happiness. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage, which is most commonly found in news and media. While it's generally appropriate for neutral and informal contexts, more formal options may be preferable in certain settings. Alternatives like "on cloud nine" or "over the moon" offer similar shades of meaning. This idiomatic phrase offers a vibrant way to communicate elation, as demonstrated in many examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Floating on air

This alternative is very close in meaning, emphasizing the lightness and carefree feeling associated with extreme happiness.

On cloud nine

This alternative evokes a similar sense of euphoria but implies a more dreamy and detached state of happiness.

In seventh heaven

This phrase suggests a state of perfect bliss and contentment, similar to "walking on air" but with a slightly more spiritual or serene quality.

Over the moon

This expression conveys a feeling of great joy and excitement, akin to "walking on air" but perhaps with a touch more enthusiasm.

Elated

This single-word alternative is a direct synonym, but lacks the idiomatic color of "walking on air".

On top of the world

This phrase denotes a feeling of triumph and accomplishment, in addition to happiness, making it slightly different from simply "walking on air".

In raptures

This option conveys a more intense and overwhelming feeling of delight than "walking on air".

Jumping for joy

This phrase captures the physical expression of extreme happiness, whereas "walking on air" focuses on the emotional state.

Tickled pink

This alternative suggests a lighter, more playful form of happiness, less intense than "walking on air".

Happy as a clam

This idiom conveys contentment and satisfaction, but does not necessarily imply the same level of exhilaration as "walking on air".

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "walking on air"?

Saying someone is "walking on air" means they are feeling extremely happy or elated, as if they are floating with joy.

How can I use "walking on air" in a sentence?

You can use "walking on air" to describe someone's joyful state, such as: "She was "walking on air" after getting the job offer."

What are some synonyms for "walking on air"?

Synonyms for "walking on air" include "on cloud nine", "over the moon", and "in seventh heaven".

Is it appropriate to use "walking on air" in formal writing?

While "walking on air" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider more neutral alternatives like "elated" or "overjoyed".