Cool MateAmazing vs They were like wow
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Amazing
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adjective
They were like wow
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: AmazingMost common: Amazing
| Amazing | They were like wow | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ðeɪ wə lʌɪk waʊ//🇺🇸 //ðeɪ wɜr laɪk waʊ// |
| Meaning | very good or impressive | They were very surprised or impressed. |
| Example | The view from the mountain top was simply amazing. | When I saw the stunning sunset, I was like wow. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | - |
| Part of speech | adjective | |
| Collocations | be, look, sound, absolutely, pretty, rather, be nothing short of amazing | were like wow, felt like wow, sounded like wow, looked like wow, said like wow |
| Antonyms | ordinary, unremarkable, boring | - |
| Common mistakes | Overusing it for average things., Confusing it with 'amaze' as a verb., Using it in negative contexts incorrectly. | Using in formal writing or speeches., Confusing 'like' as a filler word with its intended meaning., Omitting context which may clarify the surprise. |
| Usage notes | Use 'amazing' to describe something that exceeds expectations. It’s appropriate in both spoken and written contexts, but avoid using it excessively in formal writing. | Commonly used in casual conversations to express amazement or excitement. Avoid in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Amazing vs They were like wow
What's the difference between Amazing and They were like wow?
Amazing: very good or impressive They were like wow: They were very surprised or impressed.
Which is more formal: Amazing and They were like wow?
Amazing is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Amazing and They were like wow?
Amazing is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Amazing: The view from the mountain top was simply amazing. They were like wow: When I saw the stunning sunset, I was like wow.
Can I use Amazing and They were like wow interchangeably?
Not always. Amazing and They were like wow are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.