I was intrigued

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was intrigued" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it anytime you are trying to communicate that you were interested and wanted to learn more about something. Example sentence: "I was intrigued by the new technology the company was developing, so I asked for a tour of their research facility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

I was intrigued.

The New Yorker

"And I was intrigued.

Independent

Still, I was intrigued.

The New York Times - Food

But I was intrigued.

The New York Times

Yet I was intrigued.

The New York Times - Tech

I was intrigued by him.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

But I'm intrigued.

The New York Times - Arts

I'm intrigued.

The Times

I'm intrigued already.

The Guardian - Books

Anyway, I'm intrigued.

The Guardian

I'm intrigued by homogeneity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your level of interest, consider using more descriptive adjectives like "utterly intrigued", "mildly intrigued" or "extremely intrigued" to provide context to the readers.

Common error

While "I was intrigued" is acceptable in many contexts, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fascinated", "curious", or "interested", especially in formal pieces.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was intrigued" primarily functions as an expression of personal interest or curiosity. It indicates that the speaker or writer experienced a sense of fascination or appeal that prompted them to want to learn more. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

23%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was intrigued" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase to express interest or curiosity. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academic settings. When aiming for precision or avoiding repetition, consider using synonyms like "fascinated", "curious", or "captivated". While versatile, remember that it indicates a past state of interest. Adapt your language depending on whether you are conveying a current or previous sentiment to ensure your writing is both accurate and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was fascinated

Replaces "intrigued" with "fascinated", emphasizing a strong sense of wonder.

It piqued my interest

Uses "piqued" to suggest a sudden, sharp increase in interest.

It sparked my curiosity

Emphasizes the triggering of curiosity, suggesting an initial instigation of interest.

I found it captivating

Replaces "intrigued" with "captivating", emphasizing the charming quality of something.

I found it engaging

Highlights the involving or interesting nature of something.

I grew curious

Emphasizes the development of curiosity, highlighting the gradual increase in interest.

I became interested

Uses a more general term, "interested", focusing on the development of interest.

It caught my attention

Focuses on the act of noticing something interesting.

I was drawn to it

Suggests a compelling or magnetic attraction.

It appealed to me

Focuses on the attractive or pleasing quality of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was intrigued" to express interest or curiosity about something. For example, "I was intrigued by the proposal, and I wanted to learn more about it."

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

You can use alternatives like "I was fascinated", "I was curious", or "I became interested depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I was intrigued" or "I am intrigued"?

"I was intrigued" indicates a past feeling of interest, while "I am intrigued" indicates a current feeling. The choice depends on whether you are describing a past or present state.

What's the difference between "I was intrigued by" and "I was interested in"?

While similar, "I was intrigued by" often suggests a sense of mystery or something that piques your curiosity more than simple interest. "I was interested in" is a more general expression of interest.