What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
horribly
Example
The food at the restaurant was horribly bad. [horribly: adverb]
Example
He treated his employees horribly, making them work long hours without breaks. [horribly: adverb]
Example
The accident was horribly tragic, and many people lost their lives. [horribly: adverb]
awfully
Example
I feel awfully sick today. [awfully: adverb]
Example
She was awfully rude to her coworkers, making them feel uncomfortable. [awfully: adverb]
Example
It's awfully sad that we couldn't attend the funeral. [awfully: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awfully is more commonly used in everyday language than horribly. Awfully is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while horribly is less common and often used in more formal or serious situations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between horribly and awfully?
Horribly is generally considered more formal than awfully. It is often used in more serious or professional contexts, while awfully is more casual and informal in tone.
