wide awake

USAGE SUMMARY

"wide awake" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not sleepy or tired. For example, "After a long night of studying, I was still wide awake at 2am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Wide awake.

The New Yorker

He was wide awake.

The New Yorker

I'm wide awake now.

The New Yorker

I'm wide awake, it's morning".

The New Yorker

Now they're wide awake.

The New York Times

Normally, I'm wide AWAKE.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

In those wide-awake vigils she prayed or tried to.

The New Yorker

Looked wide-awake to me".

BBC

Helene Falideas is wide-awake.

Huffington Post

Just like that, he was wide-awake.

Huffington Post

By 1969, we were wide-awake and braless.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wide awake" to vividly describe someone's state of alertness, especially when contrasting it with an expected state of sleepiness or inattentiveness. For instance, "Despite the late hour, the children were wide awake and full of energy".

Common error

Avoid using "wide awake" when a more nuanced description of alertness is needed. While it effectively conveys a basic state of wakefulness, it may not capture the specific type of alertness, such as focused concentration or anxious vigilance.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wide awake" is as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being fully conscious and alert. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reputable sources, illustrating its widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

91%

Wiki

5%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wide awake" is a grammatically sound and very common adjective phrase used to describe a state of full alertness. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, indicating its versatility and broad appeal. When writing, use "wide awake" to vividly depict someone's consciousness, but be mindful of the specific nuance you wish to convey. For more precise descriptions, consider alternatives like "fully alert" or "completely conscious".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Fully alert

Focuses on the state of being completely attentive and aware.

Completely conscious

Emphasizes the awareness of oneself and surroundings.

Broad awake

A less common but direct synonym, implying a thorough state of wakefulness.

Totally roused

Highlights the action of being awakened and fully active.

Sharp-eyed

Suggests attentiveness and keen observation.

On the ball

Implies alertness and readiness to respond effectively.

In full consciousness

Highlights the complete state of mental clarity and awareness.

Extremely vigilant

Emphasizes watchfulness and alertness to potential dangers.

With eyes wide open

Conveys alertness and awareness, often in the context of understanding a situation.

Not sleeping a wink

Indicates a state of complete wakefulness, often due to worry or excitement.

FAQs

How can I use "wide awake" in a sentence?

You can use "wide awake" to describe someone who is fully alert and not sleepy, such as, "Even after the long flight, she was "wide awake" and ready to explore the city".

What are some alternatives to saying "wide awake"?

Alternatives to "wide awake" include "fully alert", "completely conscious", or "broad awake", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wide awake"?

Yes, "wide awake" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase in English to describe someone who is not sleeping and fully alert.

What's the difference between "wide awake" and "half asleep"?

"Wide awake" describes a state of full alertness, while "half asleep" describes a state of being partially awake and still drowsy. They are essentially opposite states of consciousness.