arresting

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "arresting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as an adjective to describe something that captures attention because it is unusual or particularly attractive. For example: "The sunset was an arresting sight, with its vibrant oranges and purples lighting up the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'Advertising," according to the Canadian humorist Stephen Leacock, "is the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it".

The Guardian

"Hopefully this will create a movement for more pressure so that real action, effective action is taken to end the LRA, and arresting, capturing Kony is a key component of addressing the LRA problem," she added.

The Guardian

Related: Underground London: adventures in the secret city beneath our feet Related: The weird afterlife of the world's subterranean 'ghost stations' Arresting and charging people does not stop rooftopping.

The Guardian

As if arresting George Michael in a toilet wasn't enough, police officer Marcelo Rodriguez went on to sue him for slander after Michael satirised the incident in a video and made comments alleging that the police officer had used entrapment.

The Guardian - Music

Senussi's name first surfaced in the 1970s when he was involved in arresting and torturing students opposed to Gaddafi.

The Guardian

On the surface it may be directed at someone else but it is a surefire recipe for arresting emotional recovery.

The Guardian - Film

Eventually the police arrived, and starting arresting people, including me.

The Guardian - Opinion

To this end, Channel 4's much-lauded Meet the Superhumans TV ad, promoting its coverage of the Games, showcased the physical attributes of the athletes and their disabilities, creating a powerful and arresting production.

The Guardian

Its most arresting character is a charming, fresh-faced Irish boy, Mark Ashton, who died of Aids in 1987.

The Guardian - Film

There are some times when ultra-modernising Conservatism may sound arresting, and others when reactionaries catch the spotlight.

The Guardian

The rope is clipped into pegs or chocks in the rock only for the purpose of arresting a fall.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "arresting" as an adjective, ensure the subject truly stands out or captures attention in a notable way. Overuse can diminish its impact.

Common error

Avoid using "arresting" to describe everyday or unremarkable things. It's best reserved for subjects that genuinely evoke a sense of surprise, wonder, or significant attention.

Linguistic Context

The term "arresting" primarily functions as a present participle or gerund when used with auxiliary verbs (e.g., "The police are arresting the suspect"). Additionally, it functions as an adjective to describe something that captures attention. As evidenced by Ludwig, it suggests a quality of being strikingly impressive or noticeable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Film

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "arresting" is a versatile term that functions both as a verb form and an adjective. As an adjective, it describes something that powerfully captures attention, with Ludwig AI confirming its grammatical correctness and usability. Usage is very common, particularly in News & Media, Film and Opinion contexts. When describing something, ensure it genuinely stands out, avoiding overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives include "captivating", "striking", and "compelling". Keep in mind that the term generally carries a neutral register and should be used accordingly. Finally, be careful not to use it on inappropriate subjects, but be creative and leverage its descriptive power when describing high-impact subjects or events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivating

Focuses on the quality of holding attention in a charming or fascinating way.

striking

Emphasizes the noticeable and impressive quality of something.

attention-grabbing

Directly indicates the act of attracting attention.

engrossing

Highlights the ability to completely absorb someone's attention.

compelling

Suggests an irresistible force in attracting attention or interest.

grabbing attention

A more active and direct way to describe capturing attention.

halting

Focuses on the action of stopping or impeding something's progress.

stopping

A simpler and more general term for bringing something to a standstill.

detaining

Implies holding someone in custody.

apprehending

Formally refers to seizing someone for legal reasons.

FAQs

How can I use "arresting" in a sentence?

You can use "arresting" to describe something that captures attention due to its striking or unusual qualities. For example, "The painting featured an "arresting image" that drew viewers in."

What words can I use instead of "arresting"?

Alternatives to "arresting" include "captivating", "striking", or "compelling", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "arresting" to describe a person?

Yes, you can use "arresting" to describe a person, typically in the sense of their appearance being strikingly beautiful or interesting. For instance, "She had an "arresting presence" that commanded attention."

What's the difference between "arresting" and "captivating"?

"Arresting" often implies a sudden, attention-grabbing quality, while "captivating" suggests a more sustained and charming hold on one's attention.