Words / A2

WOW/waʊ/

Wow is an informal exclamation when you are surprised or impressed: Wow!, Wow, look at that, a wow moment (extra). Informal cousins: gosh, oh. Formal English uses little of wow in essays. Stress it strongly. Do not write vow (a serious promise) for wow.

Meaning

Said when you are very surprised or impressed.

Examples

• “Wow! The view from the hill is amazing.”
• “Wow, you finished the puzzle already!”
• “The fireworks made the children shout wow.”

Good to know

Wow! / Wow, + clause. Informal surprise. Mix-up: vow (promise). Rare in formal writing.

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