Cool MateAmazing vs Wow great
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Amazing
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adjective
Wow great
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: AmazingMost common: Amazing
| Amazing | Wow great | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //waʊ ɡreɪt//🇺🇸 //waʊ ɡreɪt// |
| Meaning | very good or impressive | An expression of surprise or appreciation. |
| Example | The view from the mountain top was simply amazing. | Wow, great job on your presentation! |
| 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 | Wow, great news, Wow, great view, Wow, great effort |
| 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 it in a formal context, Misplacing the words, such as saying 'Great wow', Overusing in quick succession; might lose impact |
| 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. | Often used to convey excitement or admiration. Suitable in casual contexts but may be too informal for serious discussions. |
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Frequently asked questions: Amazing vs Wow great
What's the difference between Amazing and Wow great?
Amazing: very good or impressive Wow great: An expression of surprise or appreciation.
Which is more formal: Amazing and Wow great?
Amazing is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Amazing and Wow great?
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. Wow great: Wow, great job on your presentation!
Can I use Amazing and Wow great interchangeably?
Not always. Amazing and Wow great 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.