Cool MateIncredible vs Wow
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Incredible
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adjective
Wow
InformalTop 1,000 (very common)A2exclamation
Most formal: Incredible
| Incredible | Wow | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈkredəbl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈkredəbl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/waʊ/","/ˌwaʊˈiː/"]/🇺🇸 /["/waʊ/","/ˌwaʊˈiː/"]/ |
| Meaning | Very surprising or hard to believe. | A word used to express surprise or excitement. |
| Example | The magician's tricks were absolutely incredible! | Wow! You look terrific! |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | exclamation |
| Collocations | be, seem, sound, really, truly, absolutely, to, be, seem, sound, really, truly, absolutely, to | say wow, wow factor, wow moment |
| Antonyms | ordinary, common, unremarkable | meh, bored, disappointing, unimpressed |
| Common mistakes | Using 'incredible' as a noun instead of an adjective., Confusing 'incredible' with 'incredulous' (which means unable to believe)., Overusing 'incredible' to describe everyday situations. | Using 'wow' in formal writing., Saying 'wow' too often can lose its impact., Confusing 'wow' with other expressions of surprise. |
| Usage notes | Use 'incredible' to describe something amazing or extraordinary. It is appropriate in both casual and serious contexts, but avoid it in overly formal writing. | Use 'wow' in casual conversations to show amazement or admiration. It may not be suitable for formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Incredible vs Wow
What's the difference between Incredible and Wow?
Incredible: Very surprising or hard to believe. Wow: A word used to express surprise or excitement.
Which is more formal: Incredible and Wow?
Incredible is the most formal of these.
Are Incredible and Wow the same CEFR level?
Incredible: A2, Wow: A2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Incredible and Wow?
Incredible: adjective, Wow: exclamation.
Can you show an example of each?
Incredible: The magician's tricks were absolutely incredible! Wow: Wow! You look terrific!
Can I use Incredible and Wow interchangeably?
Not always. Incredible and 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.