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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Oohed and aahed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
The crowd oohed and aahed like circusgoers.
News & Media
"My father oohed and aahed about it.
News & Media
Beautiful stuff that everyone oohed and aahed at.
News & Media
Tourists oohed and aahed along the cliffs for an hour.
News & Media
"People oohed and aahed over him everywhere; he was just a big touting horse.
News & Media
After we oohed and aahed, Claire pointed out that something was not right about this picture.
News & Media
They oohed and aahed when the faint outline of something rectilinear became discernible.
News & Media
My wife, clutching the dashboard, oohed and aahed at the beauty.
News & Media
Everyone oohed and aahed and rose as Mr. Marinetti was set down on a Beidermeier table.
News & Media
The two spacewalkers oohed and aahed as the familiar coastline slid by below.
News & Media
That evening we all oohed and aahed at the shifting curtain of green in the freezing Arctic sky.
News & Media
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.
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.
Alternative expressions
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
gasped in amazement
Emphasizes a sudden intake of breath due to surprise or awe.
exclaimed with wonder
Highlights the act of vocalizing feelings of astonishment.
expressed awe
Conveys a sense of deep respect mixed with wonder or fear.
responded with delight
Focuses on the emotion of happiness as a response, rather than specific sounds.
raved about
Indicates extremely positive and excited comments about something.
expressed admiration
Replaces the informal expression with a more formal and general term for showing approval.
More alternative expressions(4)
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.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested