What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
awry
Example
The party decorations went awry when the balloons popped. [awry: adjective]
Example
Her plans for the weekend went awry when it started raining. [awry: adverb]
amiss
Example
There's something amiss with the computer, it keeps freezing. [amiss: adjective]
Example
His comment during the meeting was taken amiss by his colleagues. [amiss: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Amiss is more commonly used than awry in everyday language. Amiss is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while awry is less common and is more specific in describing situations that have gone wrong.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between awry and amiss?
Both awry and amiss are considered formal words, suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts.
