be intrigued by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be intrigued by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing curiosity or interest in a particular subject, idea, or person. Example: "I have always been intrigued by the mysteries of the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

People like to be intrigued by objects.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It seemed to enjoy the studied languidness of "Relaxation" and be intrigued by parts of "Exposure".

The New York Times - Arts

That's not to say the Yankees would necessarily be intrigued by Jeter the shareholder.

The New York Times - Sports

Well, how could you not be intrigued by such a title?

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Silver is also said to be intrigued by that possibility.

The New York Times

They seem to be intrigued by these parallels between plants and people.

The New York Times

He would be intrigued by Obama — impressed with his eloquence and intelligence.

The New York Times

Some of those rabbis occasionally appear to be intrigued by Bishara's intellectualism.

The New York Times - Magazine

But who wouldn't be intrigued by the overture, "I found your lawn chair"?

The New York Times

MO'L If you ever feel the urge to rummage around other people's homes, you'll be intrigued by this website.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Jackson, who recently retired as the Los Angeles Lakers' coach, might one day be intrigued by the Knicks' coaching position.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be intrigued by", ensure that the object of intrigue is clearly defined to avoid vagueness. For example, "She was intrigued by the complex plot of the novel."

Common error

Avoid using "be intrigued by" when a simpler expression of interest would suffice. Overusing it can sound pretentious or melodramatic. For example, saying "I am intrigued by pizza" might be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be intrigued by" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that someone or something is causing a feeling of curiosity or fascination in another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The examples demonstrate its ability to express interest in a variety of subjects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be intrigued by" is a versatile phrase used to express a feeling of curiosity and interest, often with a hint of mystery or complexity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While alternatives like "be fascinated by" and "find interesting" exist, "be intrigued by" carries a unique connotation of intellectual captivation. To ensure effective communication, remember to use the phrase when expressing more than a passing interest. Overusing it in place of simpler expressions of interest may lead to confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be fascinated by

Indicates a stronger level of interest and captivation than "be intrigued by", suggesting a deeper immersion in the subject.

be captivated by

Implies being charmed or held spellbound by something, adding an element of enchantment.

find interesting

Focuses on the aspect of finding something interesting, shifting the emphasis from a feeling of intrigue to a simple assessment of interest.

find appealing

Similar to "find interesting" but with a stronger emphasis on the attractiveness or desirability of the subject.

be curious about

Highlights the desire to learn more about something, focusing on the inquisitive nature of the interest.

be drawn to

Suggests an almost magnetic pull towards something, emphasizing the attractiveness of the subject.

be attracted to

Implies that something has appeal, emphasizing the attractiveness of the subject.

take an interest in

A more general expression of interest, lacking the specific nuance of intrigue.

develop a curiosity for

Suggests a gradual growth of interest, focusing on the development of curiosity over time.

show interest in

A more neutral and observational way of expressing interest, lacking the emotional investment of intrigue.

FAQs

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

You can use "be intrigued by" to express interest and curiosity about something. For example: "I "am intrigued by" the possibility of time travel", or "She "was intrigued by" his mysterious background".

What's a good alternative to "be intrigued by"?

Alternatives include "be fascinated by", "find interesting", or "be curious about". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Be intrigued by" generally carries a slightly more formal and nuanced tone than "be interested in". "Be intrigued by" suggests a level of curiosity and fascination that goes beyond simple interest.

Can "be intrigued by" be used to describe attraction to a person?

Yes, "be intrigued by" can describe attraction to a person, often suggesting that the person possesses qualities that spark curiosity or a sense of mystery. For example: "He "was intrigued by" her enigmatic personality".