being captivated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being captivated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the state of being fascinated or enchanted by something or someone. Example: "She found herself being captivated by the beauty of the sunset over the ocean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

I remember being captivated by the idea that pianos had a home such as that".

The New York Times

He was single-minded, too, in being captivated by the sphere.

The New York Times

It is hard to imagine many casual park visitors being captivated by the conceptual systems that gave rise to such rarefied abstractions.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Merhige, in addition to being captivated by the theory and history of film, is consumed with the craft of filmmaking.

The New York Times

Now an owner of a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm in nearby Englewood, he remembers being captivated by Ms. Burnett's hearty laughter.

The New York Times

The report also castigated politicians from the Prime Minister down for being "captivated" by  Ms Batmanghelidjh and authorising multi-million pound grants to the charity "outside the usual decision-making process".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

But Mr. Anderson was captivated.

The New York Times - Tech

She is captivated.

The New York Times - Books

And I am captivated.

Independent

The audience was captivated.

Independent

Rebecca is captivated.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being captivated" to describe a state of strong interest or fascination, often implying an emotional or aesthetic appeal. For example, "She found herself being captivated by the dancer's grace."

Common error

Avoid using "being captivated" to describe simple interest or mild amusement. The phrase implies a deeper, more profound level of engagement. For instance, saying "I was captivated by the weather forecast" would be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being captivated" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the state of experiencing fascination or enchantment. As Ludwig explains, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently employed to depict profound interest or delight.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being captivated" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that effectively communicates a state of intense fascination or enchantment. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for expressing a profound emotional response across various contexts, especially in news and media. While the phrase exhibits versatility, writers should be mindful of using it to prevent overstatements. Alternatives such as "being enthralled" or "being fascinated" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "being captivated" is a powerful tool for conveying a sense of wonder and deep engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being enthralled

Emphasizes a state of complete absorption and fascination.

being fascinated

Highlights a strong interest and attraction.

being charmed

Suggests a delightful and pleasing experience.

being mesmerized

Implies a hypnotic or spellbound state.

being spellbound

Similar to mesmerized, suggesting a magical or enchanting effect.

being engrossed

Focuses on deep involvement and attention.

being absorbed

Highlights a complete immersion in something.

being intrigued

Suggests curiosity and a desire to learn more.

being transfixed

Implies a state of being motionless and fixated.

being riveted

Focuses on holding someone's attention firmly.

FAQs

How can I use "being captivated" in a sentence?

"Being captivated" is used to describe the state of someone who is completely fascinated or charmed by something. For example, "I remember "being captivated" by the stories in songs like Leader of the Pack".

What are some alternatives to "being captivated"?

Alternatives to "being captivated" include "being enthralled", "being fascinated", or "being charmed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I am captivated" instead of "I am being captivated"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "I am captivated" describes a current state, while "I am "being captivated"" suggests an ongoing process of becoming captivated.

What's the difference between "being captivated by" and "being interested in"?

"Being captivated by" implies a much stronger emotional and intellectual engagement than "being interested in". Captivation suggests a sense of wonder and enchantment, while interest is a more general term.