I was entranced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was entranced" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being captivated or fascinated by something, often in a positive or magical sense. Example: "As the music played, I was entranced by the beauty of the performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As whatnot, I was entranced.

The New Yorker

When it was good, I was entranced.

The New Yorker

I was entranced by it.

The Guardian - Books

But I was entranced by his voice.

The Guardian - Music

I was entranced, but a thought occurred.

The Guardian

I was entranced as I turned over page after page.

The New York Times

"I was entranced by Lou Gehrig's dimples," Thomas said.

The New York Times - Sports

But I was entranced by its beauty and its horror.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When I was young--maybe from the age of ten or twelve--I was entranced by this painting.

Huffington Post

I'm entranced.

The Guardian - Travel

She gets out, we follow her, and I am entranced.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and choose "I was entranced" over alternatives like "I was interested" or "I was amused" to emphasize the depth of your captivation.

Common error

Avoid using "I was entranced" to describe everyday or unexciting experiences. This phrase is most effective when describing moments of genuine awe or fascination; using it too frequently can diminish its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was entranced" functions as an independent clause expressing a state of being deeply captivated or fascinated. Ludwig shows its usage in describing personal experiences and reactions to various stimuli, like music, art, or stories. The phrase uses the verb 'to be' in the past tense followed by the past participle of 'entrance', indicating a passive state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

29%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was entranced" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a state of deep captivation or fascination. According to Ludwig, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic writing. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, it's best suited for describing moments of genuine awe or wonder. Remember to use it judiciously to maintain its impact. As Ludwig AI explains, there are several alternatives to "I was entranced", such as "I was captivated" or "I was fascinated", which can provide subtle differences in meaning and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was captivated

Focuses on the feeling of being captured by something, emphasizing the power of the object of attention.

I was fascinated

Emphasizes intellectual interest and intrigue, suggesting a deeper level of curiosity.

I was spellbound

Suggests a magical or enchanting quality, implying a sense of wonder and awe.

I was mesmerized

Indicates a trancelike state, highlighting the hypnotic effect of something.

I was enthralled

Similar to entranced, but can imply a stronger sense of being held captive by interest.

I was charmed

Focuses on the delightful and pleasing nature of something, suggesting a gentle captivation.

I was intrigued

Highlights the aspect of curiosity and the desire to know more.

I was riveted

Implies being completely fixed and unable to move attention away from something.

I was engrossed

Focuses on being deeply involved or absorbed in something, losing track of time.

I was absorbed

Similar to engrossed, but can also suggest being completely taken in by something.

FAQs

What does "I was entranced" mean?

The phrase "I was entranced" means you were captivated, fascinated, or delighted by something to a great extent. It suggests a state of being completely absorbed in something that evoked a strong sense of wonder or pleasure.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was captivated", "I was fascinated", or "I was spellbound" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am entranced"?

Yes, "I am entranced" is grammatically correct. It describes a current state of being captivated. "I was entranced" refers to a past state of being captivated.

How formal is the phrase "I was entranced"?

The phrase "I was entranced" is relatively neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it may sound slightly more elevated than simpler alternatives like "I was hooked" or "I was into it".