I was enthralled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was enthralled" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means that the speaker was captivated or deeply fascinated by something or someone. Example: "As I watched the performance, I was enthralled by the incredible acrobatic stunts and beautiful choreography."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"I was enthralled.

Forbes

"I was enthralled," he said.

The New York Times

In fact, I was enthralled.

The Guardian - Books

"I was enthralled by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She said: "As a teenager, I was enthralled by Titanic.

Independent

Even at 6 I was enthralled by this mysterious outsider.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was enthralled by the detail of his analysis".

The Guardian - Books

It may not have been crocodiles grabbing zebras, but I tell you, I was enthralled.

Independent

I was enthralled, and our chat lasted an hour or longer.

The Guardian

Among the fiction, I was enthralled by Ian McEwan's "Saturday" until the ending.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was enthralled--not only was I having sex, but I was wanted as well.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Incorporate vivid details to enhance the impact of your statement. Instead of just saying "I was enthralled", describe what specifically captivated you: "I was enthralled by the intricate details of the painting and the artist's use of color."

Common error

Avoid using "I was enthralled" in everyday or mundane situations. This phrase carries a strong sense of captivation, so reserve it for experiences that truly inspire awe or fascination. Overusing it can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was enthralled" functions as a declarative statement expressing a personal experience of being captivated or fascinated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was enthralled" is a powerful way to express deep captivation or fascination. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and very commonly used, particularly in news and media. The phrase functions as a declarative statement conveying a strong positive emotional response. While the term "enthralled" itself may lean towards formality, its prevalence in news sources contributes to a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants such a strong expression of captivation to avoid diminishing its impact. Consider alternatives such as "I was captivated" or "I was fascinated" for similar, but slightly less intense, expressions. Ludwig's analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of this phrase's usage and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was enthralled by

Slight variation that explicitly states what caused the feeling of enthralment.

I was captivated

Replaces "enthralled" with a synonym that also expresses a strong sense of fascination.

I was fascinated

Uses a more common synonym for "enthralled", indicating a strong interest.

I found it enthralling

Shifts the focus to the object or experience being inherently captivating.

I was spellbound

Indicates a stronger, almost magical level of captivation.

I was mesmerized

Similar to "spellbound", suggesting a hypnotic fascination.

I was gripped

Conveys a feeling of being strongly affected and held by something.

I was riveted

Indicates intense focus and attention, as if held in place.

I was charmed

Suggests a delightful and pleasing captivation.

I was deeply impressed

Emphasizes the feeling of admiration and respect alongside captivation.

FAQs

What does "I was enthralled" mean?

The phrase "I was enthralled" means that you were completely captivated, fascinated, or delighted by something. It suggests a strong feeling of interest and engagement.

What can I say instead of "I was enthralled"?

You can use alternatives like "I was captivated", "I was fascinated", or "I was spellbound" depending on the context.

Is "I was enthralled" formal or informal?

"I was enthralled" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it's best used when describing experiences that genuinely evoke a sense of deep captivation. Avoid using it for mundane or everyday situations.

How can I use "I was enthralled" in a sentence?

Here are a few examples: "I was enthralled by the performance.", "As a teenager, "I was enthralled by Titanic".", "Even at 6 "I was enthralled by this mysterious outsider"."