Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

Oohed and aahed

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "oohed and aahed" is correct and usable in written English
It is typically used to describe an audience's reaction to something that has been said or seen, usually something awe-inspiring. For example, "The audience oohed and aahed as the magician performed his most remarkable trick."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The crowd oohed and aahed like circusgoers.

"My father oohed and aahed about it.

Beautiful stuff that everyone oohed and aahed at.

Tourists oohed and aahed along the cliffs for an hour.

"People oohed and aahed over him everywhere; he was just a big touting horse.

News & Media

The New York Times

After we oohed and aahed, Claire pointed out that something was not right about this picture.

News & Media

The New York Times

They oohed and aahed when the faint outline of something rectilinear became discernible.

News & Media

The New York Times

My wife, clutching the dashboard, oohed and aahed at the beauty.

Everyone oohed and aahed and rose as Mr. Marinetti was set down on a Beidermeier table.

The two spacewalkers oohed and aahed as the familiar coastline slid by below.

That evening we all oohed and aahed at the shifting curtain of green in the freezing Arctic sky.

News & Media

Independent
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "oohed and aahed" to vividly depict an immediate, often collective, reaction of delight or astonishment. This phrase is particularly effective in narrative writing to show, rather than tell, the audience's response to a spectacle or event.

⚠ Common error

While "oohed and aahed" is descriptive, it's less suitable for formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more professional alternatives like "expressed admiration" or "reacted enthusiastically" in contexts requiring a serious tone.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "oohed and aahed" functions as a compound verb phrase describing an audible reaction to something impressive or delightful. Examples in Ludwig show it used to depict reactions to scenery, performances, or impressive objects. The Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

⚠ Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "oohed and aahed" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to depict reactions of delight and amazement. As supported by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media, serving to vividly illustrate audience responses. While effective for narrative and descriptive writing, it's generally considered too informal for academic or formal business contexts, where alternatives like "expressed admiration" are more appropriate. Use this phrase to add color and immediacy to your writing, but be mindful of your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "oohed and aahed"?

Saying someone "oohed and aahed" means they expressed reactions of delight, wonder, or amazement, often in response to something impressive or beautiful.

How can I use "oohed and aahed" in a sentence?

You can use "oohed and aahed" to describe a group's reaction, such as "The tourists oohed and aahed at the breathtaking view from the summit."

Are there more formal alternatives to "oohed and aahed"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using phrases like "expressed admiration", "reacted enthusiastically", or "showed their appreciation".

Is "oohed and aahed" appropriate for academic writing?

Generally, "oohed and aahed" is too informal for academic writing. Opt for more neutral and descriptive language that conveys the same sentiment without sounding colloquial.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: