a source of fascination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a source of fascination" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is intriguing or captivating. Example: "The intricate architecture of the ancient temple was a source of fascination for the group of archaeologists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

SYMMETRY has been a source of fascination since ancient times.

The Economist

First, there is Dickinson's handwriting, long a source of fascination.

The New Yorker

Those distinctions made Strasburg a source of fascination before his professional debut.

The New York Times - Sports

Yet it is not just political theorists who find Arendt a source of fascination.

The New Yorker

Fingerprints have been a source of fascination for thousands of years.

The New Yorker

The lunar effect, also known as the Transylvania effect, has long been a source of fascination.

Independent

The military duty is a source of fascination, if not exactly dread, among his teammates.

The New York Times - Sports

But Princess Sayn-Winsistedein insisthattoat to European readers, her book is a source of fascination.

The New York Times - Style

That was Kubrick, whose relationship to his actors has long been a source of fascination.

The Guardian - Film

His tenacity in remaining at the centre of affairs became a source of fascination in itself.

The Guardian

They were a source of fascination to me as a kid.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a source of fascination" when you want to convey that something has the power to intrigue and captivate, often over a sustained period. For example, "Ancient civilizations are a source of fascination for historians."

Common error

While "a source of fascination" is a valid phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a subject of great curiosity" or "a captivating element" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a source of fascination" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an appositive. It describes the quality or characteristic of something being captivating or intriguing, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a source of fascination" effectively conveys that something possesses a captivating and intriguing quality. Grammatically correct and widely used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it frequently appears in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki, indicating its relevance across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "a subject of great curiosity" to maintain writing freshness. Remember, something described as "a source of fascination" holds a sustained and often mysterious appeal, setting it apart from mere interest.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of great curiosity

Focuses on the inquisitiveness and desire to learn more about something.

a point of intense interest

Highlights the high degree of interest something generates, using a more formal tone.

an absorbing topic

Highlights the ability of something to hold one's attention completely.

a captivating element

Emphasizes the captivating nature of something, shifting the focus from the source to the effect.

a focus of rapt attention

Emphasizes the intense and undivided attention something receives.

a magnet for curiosity

Implies that something irresistibly attracts curiosity.

an object of wonder

Stresses the sense of awe and amazement associated with something.

something that sparks interest

Focuses on the initial trigger of interest, suggesting a beginning of fascination.

a thing that intrigues

Uses a more direct and active construction, highlighting the act of intriguing.

a matter of deep absorption

Indicates a state of being completely engrossed or immersed in something.

FAQs

How can I use "a source of fascination" in a sentence?

You can use "a source of fascination" to describe something that evokes intrigue or captivates interest. For instance, "The mysteries of the universe are "a source of fascination" for scientists and dreamers alike."

What are some alternatives to "a source of fascination"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a subject of great curiosity", "a captivating element", or "an object of wonder", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a source for fascination" instead of "a source of fascination"?

While "source for" can indicate origin, "a source of fascination" is the idiomatic and more widely accepted phrasing when describing something that inspires intrigue or captivation. Therefore, "a source of fascination" is the preferred choice.

What makes something "a source of fascination" rather than simply interesting?

Something that is "a source of fascination" typically holds a deeper, more prolonged, and perhaps even mysterious allure compared to something that is merely interesting. Fascination implies a sense of captivation and intrigue that sustains attention over time.