captivate them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "captivate them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of attracting and holding someone's attention or interest, often in a positive or engaging manner. Example: "The speaker's charisma and storytelling ability were enough to captivate them throughout the entire presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Your job is to engage your reader, to tell them a story, captivate them.

The Guardian - Books

They would make pots, he said, that would "captivate them with the Elegance and simplicitie of the Ancients".

The Guardian - Arts

TC's clinical psychology MA program creates a space for students to both broadly explore and hone in on those areas of our field that really captivate them academically and/or clinically.

Columbia University

But for his supporters, it is Mr. Morales's close ties to them -- the copper color of his skin, the hard life he has lived -- that so captivate them and to them make him an authentic leader.

The New York Times

It will captivate them.

Huffington Post

If a person has empathy for their audience they will know how to captivate them.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

This team captivates them".

The New York Times - Sports

What captivated them were the stories.

The New York Times

Their only child, Shakira, captivated them.

The New York Times - Magazine

And it wasn't revolutionary theatre that captivated them.

The New Yorker

The building that most captivated them was One MiMa Tower.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context: While "captivate them" is generally positive, ensure it aligns with the overall tone. For instance, replace it with a more neutral alternative, such as "engage them", in formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "captivate them" excessively in formal or business writing. The phrase can sometimes sound overly enthusiastic or dramatic. Opt for more professional alternatives like "attract them" or "interest them" to maintain a balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captivate them" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It describes the action of seizing and holding someone's attention, interest, or imagination. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "captivate them" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the action of seizing and holding someone's attention or interest. While Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, it's more common in news and media and academic contexts. When writing, aim to use synonyms like "enthrall them" or "fascinate them" for subtle differences in meaning and avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Keep the context in mind when choosing your phrasing and be careful of overusing it in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthrall them

Suggests a deeper, more magical captivation.

fascinate them

Implies intellectual curiosity and interest.

charm them

Conveys a sense of delight and attraction, often through personality.

engage them

Focuses on active involvement and participation.

allure them

Suggests a subtle and enticing form of attraction.

draw them in

Implies a gradual and irresistible pull.

mesmerize them

Suggests a hypnotic and almost trance-like state.

enchant them

Similar to enthrall, but with a lighter, more whimsical feel.

captivate their attention

More explicitly emphasizes the focus on attention.

win them over

Focuses on gaining approval or support, rather than just attention.

FAQs

How can I use "captivate them" in a sentence?

You can use "captivate them" to describe something that holds someone's attention completely, like "The storyteller's words managed to "captivate them" throughout the entire performance".

What are some synonyms for "captivate them"?

Alternatives to "captivate them" include "fascinate them", "enthrall them", or "charm them", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "captivate them" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "captivate them" might sound too enthusiastic for formal contexts. Consider using more neutral terms like "engage them" or "attract them" instead.

What is the difference between "captivate them" and "attract them"?

"Captivate them" implies a deeper, more profound level of engagement and fascination, while "attract them" simply means to draw their attention initially. The former suggests a lasting hold, the latter a mere initial interest.