being under a spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being under a spell" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a state of enchantment or fascination, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "She felt as if she were being under a spell, captivated by his words." Alternative expressions include "under a charm" and "under a trance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nobody said a damn thing about being under a spell".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"The whole place is under a spell.

The New York Times

He was under a spell, like a cult".

The Guardian

It was as if the whole place were under a spell.

The Guardian - Books

He could be under a spell, watching his speech unscroll in front of him.

The Guardian

As if I were under a spell, I did, shuddering a little at the feel of the hairs.

The New Yorker

She realized what the situation was but seemed to be under a spell, unable to do anything about it.

The New Yorker

She doesn't know who she is or where she's from, whether she's always been made of stone or whether she's under a spell.

The New York Times - Books

Siegfried wakes Brünnhilde atop the fire-surrounded mountain where she has for years been under a spell imposed by her father, Wotan, a penalty for her insubordination.

The New York Times - Arts

It turns out that her uncle is under a spell cast long ago by her aunt's mother (the queen of the elves).

The New York Times - Arts

After taking all that into consideration, though, shareholders seem to be under a spell, believing Disney – and Mr. Iger – can work magic through acquisitions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "being under a spell" to vividly describe a state of enchantment, fascination, or strong influence, whether literal or metaphorical. It's particularly effective in creative writing or when discussing situations where rational thought seems suspended.

Common error

Avoid using "being under a spell" in contexts where a simple explanation of influence or persuasion suffices. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic or unrealistic. Reserve it for situations where the sense of enchantment or inexplicable control is truly relevant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being under a spell" functions as a participial phrase that often acts as an adjectival modifier. It describes a state of enchantment or strong influence. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples where the phrase depicts someone or something experiencing a captivating or bewitching effect.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "being under a spell" is a participial phrase used to describe a state of fascination, enchantment, or strong influence. It often functions as an adjectival modifier, adding color and depth to writing. While the phrase can refer to literal magic, it's more commonly used metaphorically. Ludwig's analysis reveals the phrase is grammatically correct and most frequently found in news and media contexts, which deems its register to be neutral. When using the phrase, be sure to balance the sense of enchantment with the need for clarity, avoiding overuse in contexts where simpler explanations suffice. Alternative phrases such as "captivated by" or "under a trance" can provide similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spellbound by

Indicates being completely fascinated and unable to look away.

mesmerized by

Indicates being hypnotized or completely captivated by something.

under a trance

Focuses on a state of altered consciousness, often implying a hypnotic state.

entranced by

Suggests a state of dreamy absorption and delight.

charmed by

Highlights the pleasant and delightful nature of the influence.

captivated by

Emphasizes the feeling of being charmed and fascinated by something or someone.

enthralled by

Similar to captivated, but suggests a deeper level of fascination and absorption.

bewitched by

Implies a magical or irresistible attraction, often used in a romantic context.

under the influence of

Broadly refers to being affected or controlled by something, not necessarily magical.

in the grip of

Suggests a strong, often negative, control or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "being under a spell" in a sentence?

You can use "being under a spell" to describe a state of enchantment or strong influence. For example, "She felt as if she was "being under a spell", captivated by his words".

What's a less dramatic way to say "being under a spell"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "captivated by", "influenced by", or "fascinated by" to convey a similar idea without the magical connotation.

Is "being under a spell" always about magic?

No, "being under a spell" is often used metaphorically to describe a state where someone is strongly influenced or captivated by something, such as an idea, a person, or an experience. The literal meaning refers to magic, but the figurative use is more common.

What's the difference between "being under a spell" and "under a trance"?

"Being under a spell" typically implies an external influence causing enchantment or captivity, while "under a trance" suggests a state of altered consciousness, often induced by hypnosis or meditation. A trance is more about internal state, while a spell is caused by an outside force.