be fascinated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be fascinated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing a strong interest or attraction to a particular subject or activity. Example: "Many people are fascinated by the mysteries of the universe and the possibility of extraterrestrial life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have to be fascinated by it".

The Guardian - Film

It's easy to be fascinated by our own dreams.

The New York Times

I may be fascinated by the '60s and '70s.

The New York Times - Arts

It's hard not to be fascinated by fads.

The New York Times - Books

He began to be fascinated by biology instead.

The Guardian

The reader will be fascinated by the answer.

The New York Times - Books

Not everybody will be fascinated by such topics to be sure.

Cost-Justifying Usability An Update for an Internet Age

Americans may be fascinated by British cynicism, but that doesn't mean they always like it.

Independent

They seem to be fascinated by this activity, for they bury animals on a regular basis.

The New Yorker

Patoski must be fascinated by the Cowboys to have devoted himself to this herculean task.

The New York Times - Books

"An observer can be fascinated by the often astonishing intensity of their cultural life.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be fascinated by" to convey a strong sense of wonder and captivation, implying more than just simple interest. For instance, "Scientists "be fascinated by" the complexities of the human brain" suggests a deep engagement with the subject.

Common error

Avoid using "be fascinated by" when a simpler term like "be interested in" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound melodramatic. Instead of "I "be fascinated by" the new coffee shop", consider "I'm interested in the new coffee shop".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be fascinated by" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a passive construction, where the subject receives the action of fascination. Ludwig AI highlights examples showing how it describes a state of being deeply interested or captivated by something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

19%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be fascinated by" is a versatile phrase used to express strong interest or captivation. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and widely used, appearing in a variety of contexts from news articles to academic papers. While alternatives like "be intrigued by" or "be captivated by" exist, "be fascinated by" specifically conveys a sense of wonder and deep engagement. When writing, use it to highlight a genuine enthusiasm, but be mindful of overuse. As the numerous examples curated by Ludwig AI demonstrate, this phrase remains a powerful tool for expressing intrigue and captivation in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be captivated by

This alternative emphasizes the enchanting or enthralling aspect of being fascinated.

be enthralled by

Suggests a feeling of being charmed and delighted.

be intrigued by

This suggests a sense of curiosity and a desire to learn more.

be spellbound by

Implies a state of being transfixed and unable to look away.

find oneself absorbed in

Highlights the immersive quality of fascination, where attention is fully engaged.

be engrossed in

Focuses on being completely occupied and concentrated on something.

develop a passion for

Indicates the beginning of a deep and sustained interest.

be deeply interested in

A more straightforward and general way of expressing strong interest.

take a keen interest in

Highlights the deliberate and focused nature of the interest.

be consumed with curiosity about

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the curiosity.

FAQs

How can I use "be fascinated by" in a sentence?

Use "be fascinated by" to express a strong sense of interest or captivation. For example, "Many people "be fascinated by" the mysteries of the universe".

What can I say instead of "be fascinated by"?

You can use alternatives like "be intrigued by", "be captivated by", or "be enthralled by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "be fascinated by" or "be interested in"?

"Be fascinated by" tends to convey a stronger sense of captivation or wonder than "be interested in", which is a more general expression of interest. Neither phrase is inherently more formal than the other; the choice depends on the desired emphasis and tone.

What is the difference between "be fascinated by" and "be obsessed with"?

"Be fascinated by" implies a strong interest and captivation, while "be obsessed with" suggests an excessive and often unhealthy preoccupation. Obsession carries a stronger connotation of being consumed by something.