Do you hear the word “awesome” used all the time in English?
Does this feel like a word that should only be used at certain times?
Here is an example: “Wow I would love to do that with you, it sounds awesome!”
The truth is that a word like “awesome” is perfectly fine between friends.
It means that everything is great or that this is cool.
Is it always okay to use the word awesome though?
We’ll answer that question in today’s episode!
Today we will start with a great question from a listener:
Hi girls
I have been listen to your awesome podcast as crazy as a dog, but I am in doubt How to safely use the word awesome. A few days ago I was in a meeting with american lawyers and the foreigner lawyer had an amazing Idea. I replied to him: GREAT. But in my mind the word awesome came first, and to be true, at that time, I felt awkward in saying awesome in a quite formal meeting.
So girls, please help me. How does It sound the word awesome in that context? Can I use It freely? In my mind that word sounds OK for teenagers ir in a very informal enviroments. What do you think? Am I wrong?
Thanks in advance
Flávio from Rio de Janeiro
Great question!
It’s so important for us to know not only the vocabulary word but the appropriateness of a word depending on the situation and who you are speaking to.
Is it okay to use “awesome” in this context?
The reality is that many people would have a different opinion about your question.
The general consensus is that “awesome” in the example may be a bit informal for this situation because it is business.
You have to evaluate though how well you know these people.
If you have a friendly relationship with them, awesome MAY be ok to use, but you mentioned it was “a quite formal meeting”
It may be better in a more formal setting to say something like “great.”
It depends on the relationship:
It ultimately may depend upon the relationship that you have with the person.
That can dictate if awesome is appropriate or not.
It is a bit more informal and young sounding, however, many people use it “freely” (as per the example)
Even if you look at our language on this podcast, it’s a pretty common word.
However, our show is friendly and has a bit of a more informal feeling.
More examples:
Here are a few examples to really help with understanding.
Example 1) Ordering food when the waiter confirms your order.
- A: So you’ll have the burger without the onions?
- B: Yes, awesome.
Example 2) When your sibling suggests going to a new restaurant.
- A: Wanna go to that new salad place?
- B: Yes, awesome. I’ve been meaning to try it!
Example 3) In a job interview
- A: On Fridays you have the option to work at home.
- B: Awesome.
Example 4) With your parents
- A: Lindsay, can we meet you for dinner next weekend?
- B: Yeah, sounds awesome!
Example 5) With your best friend
- A: Remember when we accidentally knocked the glass over at that restaurant, but then the waiter gave us free dessert?
- B: Oh yeah, that was awesome.
Example 6) With a coworker
- A: You did such a great job on this. Maybe we can meet so you can give me some tips?
- B: Sure, awesome!
Other ways to say “awesome”:
- Great: This word works just as well though maybe not quite as impactful.
- Perfect!: A: I think we should set u a sales page. B: Perfect!
- Excellent: A: Let’s schedule a meeting to discuss all our new ideas. B: Excellent
- That works (for me): A: Can you do a lunch meeting tomorrow at 12? B: Sure. That works for me.
More informal alternatives:
- Cool
- Sounds good
- You got it (maybe at work too) – A: Can you pick me up at 8? B: You got it!
Takeaway:
The word awesome definitely gets used a lot.
It has a time and place, and whether or not you should use it depends upon the relationship and situation.
Be sure that you know when it’s okay and when it’s not.
You can always turn to alternatives to get the point across if you’re not sure if awesome is best.
Do you have any questions about this word and use?
If so, leave them in the comments section below and we’ll answer them right away!
