as if to hypnotize

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as if to hypnotize" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or behavior that seems intended to mesmerize or captivate someone, often in a figurative sense. Example: "She spoke softly, her voice flowing like a gentle stream, as if to hypnotize her audience into a state of calm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

She was expanding her eyes as if to hypnotize him.

The New Yorker

As they talk, Arnold slowly circles the yard in front of Connie, as if to hypnotize her.

The New York Times

"Slide," she repeats, forgoing the questioning tone and nodding her head repeatedly, as if to hypnotize me into agreement.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Clearly, Stella had never encountered someone like me: so intelligent, so attuned to her every hypnotic deception, that he became as difficult to hypnotize as a stupid person.

The New York Times - Magazine

He wore the same gray snakeskin boots and sat on the edge of his desk, one foot swinging back and forth slowly, as if he were trying to hypnotize my mother.

The New York Times - Magazine

If Dennis wants to hypnotize his two chums so that he can have a private phone chat with the Dalai Lama, so be it.

The New York Times

If you want to hypnotize your subject again set a "trance word".

WikiHow

If you know how to hypnotize yourself, this technique might be a useful one, using the "Best Me" technique of self-hypnosis.

WikiHow

You can leave out the bold part of the phrases above - if you want to be able to hypnotize the person easily in the future, however, leave it in.

WikiHow

In "The Hidden Persuaders," Packard describes sinister marketing men trying to hypnotize the helpless housewife with carefully designed packages and cartons, as if "waving a flashlight in front of her eyes".

The New Yorker

I was bluffing when I said (lie you said earlier)!" Pretend to hypnotize people into following you as a princess.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as if to hypnotize" to vividly describe actions that seem intentionally designed to influence or control someone's mind, creating a sense of manipulation or deep focus.

Common error

Avoid using "as if to hypnotize" in situations where actual hypnosis is taking place. It's more effective when describing figurative attempts to influence or captivate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as if to hypnotize" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, describing the manner in which an action is performed. It suggests an apparent intention behind the action, implying an attempt to captivate or influence, akin to hypnosis. Ludwig provides examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as if to hypnotize" is a grammatically correct construction used to describe actions seemingly intended to captivate or deeply influence someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in descriptive writing. While not overly common, it effectively conveys an attempt to mesmerize or control, adding depth to the description. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, with occasional usage in scientific and wiki contexts. Alternatives like "as though attempting to mesmerize" or "as if intending to captivate" offer similar nuances. Remember to use it figuratively, rather than in literal hypnosis scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as though attempting to mesmerize

Emphasizes the attempt to entrance or captivate, similar to hypnotism.

as though ready to mesmerize

Focuses on the readiness to induce a hypnotic or trance-like state.

as if intending to captivate

Focuses on the intention to attract and hold someone's attention.

as if seeking to entrance

Highlights the desire to bring someone into a state of enchantment.

as though trying to charm

Implies the use of charm or allure to influence someone.

as if set to entrance

Emphasizes the determination to bring someone into a state of delight or wonder.

as if aiming to bewitch

Suggests an intention to cast a spell or exert a magical influence.

as though poised to captivate

Highlights the readiness to attract and hold someone's interest or attention.

as though about to seduce

Indicates a suggestive attempt to entice or allure someone.

as if planning to spellbind

Highlights the intention to hold someone completely fascinated.

FAQs

How can I use "as if to hypnotize" in a sentence?

You can use "as if to hypnotize" to describe actions that appear intended to captivate or deeply influence someone, suggesting a mesmerizing or controlling effect. For example, 'The speaker's voice was soothing, "as if to hypnotize" the audience'.

What does "as if to hypnotize" mean?

"As if to hypnotize" means acting in a way that seems intended to put someone in a trance-like or deeply influenced state, often figuratively referring to captivating or manipulating behavior.

What are some alternatives to "as if to hypnotize"?

Some alternatives include "as though attempting to mesmerize", "as if intending to captivate", or "as if seeking to entrance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "as if to hypnotize" formal or informal?

"As if to hypnotize" is neither strictly formal nor informal; its formality depends on the context. It's suitable for descriptive writing in news, literature, or even casual conversation where a vivid, figurative description is desired.