Aw vs. Oh — What's the Difference?

Aw is often used to express sympathy, tenderness, or mild disappointment. For instance, one might say "Aw, I'm sorry to hear your cat is sick," to show empathy. Whereas Oh is a versatile exclamation used to express a range of emotions, including surprise, realization, disappointment, or joy. For example, "Oh, I didn't realize you were here!" indicates surprise or sudden understanding.

Aw conveys a sense of warmth and comfort, suggesting a closer, more empathetic connection. It's frequently used in informal contexts to show emotional support or pity. On the other hand, Oh can be used in both informal and formal situations, often as a reaction to new information or to emphasize a point being made.

While Aw is generally associated with softer, more compassionate emotions, Oh is neutral and can convey a wider spectrum of feelings depending on the context and the way it's said. Oh might be used in situations ranging from mild irritation ("Oh, not again!") to excitement ("Oh, that’s wonderful!").

In terms of usage, Aw is more likely to be used in situations that call for an emotional response, particularly when trying to comfort someone or express that something is endearing. Meanwhile, Oh serves as a verbal placeholder in conversations, allowing the speaker to pause for thought or to introduce or emphasize what they're about to say.

Both Aw and Oh serve as interjections, but their use highlights different emotional responses and conversational functions. Aw leans towards empathy and consolation, making it suitable for more personal interactions. Whereas Oh is a more general-purpose expression that can fit a wide range of emotions and situations.