captivate the audience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "captivate the audience" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something has intrigued or held the attention of a group of people. For example: "The actor's performance captivated the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

And it is they who most captivate the audience.

The New York Times

And each of the eight actors gets at the very least one moment to captivate the audience.

The New York Times

Watching her perform, it struck me that she had the same energy and ability to captivate the audience as she'd always had.

The Guardian - Music

This time she'll be there without the Sheffield Chamber Orchestra but her powerful voice and dark lyrics will captivate the audience as they relax and enjoy her amazing songs.

The Guardian

Anna Netrebko, somewhat tentative in her role d\u00e9but as the fiery Roman diva, can still captivate the audience with a lusciously voiced phrase, while her real-life husband, the Azerbaijani tenor Yusif Eyvazov, brings a rich, though monochromatic, sound as Cavaradossi.

The New Yorker

Although alone this is quite exciting, developing a properly orchestrated demo can captivate the audience even more.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

His creation, Riverdance, captivated the audience.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The slow numbers captivated the audience, the fast numbers rocked.

The Guardian - Music

Any sophisticated late arrival that captivates the audience is sure to affect the awards race.

The New York Times

But it was the record-setting Picasso that captivated the audience.

The New York Times - Arts

In unscripted testimony, he led the panel through his personal Sept. 11, a poignant narrative that captivated the audience.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "captivate the audience" when you want to express that something has intrigued or held the attention of a group of people. It's suitable for describing performances, speeches, presentations, and stories.

Common error

While "captivate the audience" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal or academic writing. Consider more precise verbs like 'engage', 'fascinate', or 'enthrall' depending on the context to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captivate the audience" functions as a verb phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe the act of attracting and holding the attention of a group of people. It commonly appears in descriptions of performances, speeches, and presentations, as showcased in the examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "captivate the audience" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe the act of attracting and holding an audience's attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase commonly appears in diverse contexts, including news, wiki articles, and formal business communications. While broadly applicable, it's wise to consider more precise synonyms in formal writing to refine the intended nuance. The phrase enjoys frequent usage in News & Media, Wiki and Formal & Business, as shown from Ludwig's usage examples. Remember to thoughtfully select your vocabulary to enhance your writing's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

captivate the listeners

Specifically refers to an audience that is listening, such as to a speech or performance.

engage the audience

Focuses on active participation and connection, differing from simply holding attention.

enthrall the audience

Suggests a more intense and magical form of captivation.

fascinate the audience

Implies evoking a high degree of interest and curiosity.

charm the audience

Implies a gentle and pleasing method of attracting attention.

draw the audience in

Emphasizes the act of attracting the audience's attention and involvement.

hold the audience's attention

Highlights the ability to maintain focus, rather than initially attract.

mesmerize the audience

Suggests a hypnotic or spellbinding effect on the audience.

grab the audience's attention

Emphasizes a sudden and immediate attraction of attention.

arrest the audience's attention

Suggests a forceful and immediate stop of the audience's wandering thoughts.

FAQs

How can I use "captivate the audience" in a sentence?

You can use "captivate the audience" to describe how a performance, speech, or story held the audience's attention. For example, "The actor's performance "captivated the audience"."

What are some synonyms for "captivate the audience"?

Alternatives include "engage the audience", "enthrall the audience", or "charm the audience". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "captivate the audience" or "captivate the listeners"?

The choice depends on the context. "Captivate the listeners" is more appropriate when referring specifically to an audience that is listening, such as to a speech or performance. "Captivate the audience" is a more general term.

What does it mean to "captivate the audience"?

To "captivate the audience" means to attract and hold their attention and interest. It implies a strong ability to intrigue and engage the audience.