"wake up" vs "awakened"

Question

"wake up" vs "awakened"

Both 'awakened' and 'wake up' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Awakened' is more formal and literary, often used in written language or formal speech. 'Wake up' is more common in everyday spoken English.

Last Updated: March 20, 2024

'Wake up' is a common term used in everyday spoken English to describe the action of waking up from sleep. It is less formal than 'awakened' and is widely used in casual conversations.

Examples:

I usually wake up at 7 a.m. every morning.
Please wake up, we have to leave soon.
He needs a strong coffee to help him wake up in the morning.
The alarm clock didn't wake her up this time.
It's hard for me to wake up early on weekends.

Alternatives:

get up
rise and shine
awake
rouse from sleep

The term 'awakened' is used to describe the action of waking up from sleep, but it is more formal and literary compared to 'wake up'. It is commonly found in literature, formal speeches, or academic writing.

Examples:

She awakened to the sound of birds chirping outside her window.
The prince was awakened by a kiss from the princess.
The patient slowly awakened from the anesthesia.
The city was awakened by the loud noise of the thunderstorm.
His interest in art was awakened during a trip to Paris.

Alternatives:

woke up
arose
came to
regained consciousness

Answer 1

wake up

This is a common and informal term used in everyday spoken English.

Answer 2

awakened

This is a correct and formal term, often used in written language or formal speech.

"wake up" vs "awakened"

wake up

awakened

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