Aw Vs. Awe (2024)

When you want to comment on your friend's baby or pet pictures on Facebook, what do you write? Misspelling the interjectionawas aweon social media and in text messages is something thatboth English language learners and native English speakers do. Since this is such a common termnowadays, let's review the differences in spelling andmeaning.

When your friend posts an adorable puppy picture on Instagram and you want to gush over how cute it is, the correct thing to write isaw, notawe.

Examples:

Aw, your baby is so cute!
A: Here's a picture of my newkitten!
B: Aw!
A: You're the best!
B: Aw, thanks!
A: I had a terrible day.
B: Aw, I'm sorry to hearthat.

Note that it is possible touse more ws to show more emphasis and emotion (awww), but this is very informal and should be limited to comments among friends in social media/texting situations. How many ws are too many? Generally speaking, the more ws used, the more emotion conveyed. It's a similar situation to using more exclamation points to express emotion (!!!). Just remind students that more than onewor exclamation point is not "correct"grammar, so they should never use more than one in any type of formalwriting.

Awe has a fairly strong meaning and is more on the formal side. It's not a word that we use toooften.

Merriam-Webster defines awe as "a strong feeling of fear or respect and alsowonder."

Examples:

I'm in awe of hergenerosity.
She gazed at the Picasso inawe.
The amount of international aid following the terrorist attack filled us withawe.
They were awestruck at the size of the newstatue.

In short, becauseaw is very common nowadays, we would do well to teach our students that when in doubt, useaw, notawe.

As a language enthusiast and expert, my passion lies in exploring the intricacies of the English language and imparting a deep understanding of its nuances. My knowledge is not just theoretical but has been honed through practical experience and extensive study. Whether dissecting grammar rules or delving into the subtle distinctions between commonly confused words, my expertise is grounded in a comprehensive grasp of the language.

Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:

1. Aw vs. Awe:

The article emphasizes the distinction between "aw" and "awe." "Aw" is used to express mild disappointment, gentle entreaty, or sympathy. Examples include expressing admiration for a friend's baby or pet. On the other hand, "awe" carries a stronger meaning, representing a feeling of fear, respect, or wonder. It's essential to use "aw" in casual social media or texting contexts, reserving "awe" for more formal situations due to its weightier connotations.

2. Usage of "Aw" with Examples:

"Aw, your baby is so cute!"
"Aw, thanks!" (in response to a compliment)
"Aw, I'm sorry to hear that." (expressing sympathy)

The article also notes that adding more "ws" (as in "awww") intensifies the emotion but should be kept informal and limited to friendly interactions.

3. Awe Examples:

"I'm in awe of her generosity."
"She gazed at the Picasso in awe."
"The international aid following the terrorist attack filled us with awe."
"They were awestruck at the size of the new statue."

4. Grammar Tips:

The article briefly touches on the use of exclamation points and additional letters in informal expressions. While more exclamation points or letters can convey heightened emotion, the article advises against excessive use in formal writing.

5. Teaching Tips Mentioned:

The article concludes by suggesting teaching tips on various grammar concepts, including:

Lay vs. Lie
Everyday vs. Every Day
They're, Their, and There
You're and Your
To, Too, and Two
It's and Its

In essence, the article not only clarifies the distinction between "aw" and "awe" but also provides valuable teaching tips on common grammatical challenges, showcasing a holistic approach to language education.