captivating to hear

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "captivating to hear" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is interesting or engaging to listen to, often in the context of music, speeches, or stories. Example: "The speaker's story was so captivating to hear that the entire audience was spellbound."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was captivating to hear the doleful cello lines in duet with the reedy tones of the accordion.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is captivating to listen to, like hearing the song of the tide itself, particularly late into the evening, perhaps after visiting bears, perhaps with a bear-watching beloved of your own.

The Guardian - Travel

"It was really captivating to me," Joyce says.

The Washington Post

And it's captivating, to say the least.

TechCrunch

Which do you think is more captivating to fans?

TechCrunch

While the tools have changed (PowerPoint has replaced cave drawings), our desire to hear captivating stories hasn't changed at all.

Forbes

After dinner, Yan said that he'd like to hear some Henanese opera; its tunes have captivated him since childhood, and the lyrics often find their way into his novels.

The New Yorker

He continued: "From the moment we met with Michael to hear his unique point of view about this new show, we were completely captivated and on board.

The New York Times

I was captivated, not least by Wilfred Owen's words, and I somehow managed to get to the Albert Hall to hear the first London performance.

The Guardian - Music

To be honest, though, I didn't want to hear from the monkey, I wanted to hear from the organ grinder, the captivating Ezekiel himself with his diverting dreads and Shakespearean patter.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The sonata of my imagination might be more captivating, but hearing those lovely intertwined violin and piano lines pour out of my living-room speakers is enough.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing audio experiences, use "captivating to hear" to convey a sense of wonder and deep engagement. This phrase is particularly effective when the sound evokes strong emotions or holds unique interest.

Common error

Avoid using "captivating to hear" when describing experiences that are primarily visual or tactile. This phrase is specifically tailored to audio impressions, so ensure it aligns with the sensory focus of your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "captivating to hear" functions as an adjective phrase modifying an implied noun (like 'performance' or 'sound'). It serves to describe the characteristic of something auditory as highly engaging or interesting. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

30%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "captivating to hear" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that is highly engaging and interesting to listen to. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a valid expression. While its frequency is uncommon, it is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, media, arts, and travel-related descriptions. When writing, it's crucial to align this phrase with auditory experiences and avoid misusing it in primarily visual or tactile contexts. Alternatives such as "fascinating to listen to" and "delightful to hear" can offer similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fascinating to listen to

Focuses more on the intellectual interest the sound evokes.

delightful to hear

Emphasizes the pleasant and enjoyable nature of the sound.

engaging to listen to

Highlights the ability of the sound to hold one's attention.

arresting to hear

Suggests a sound that is particularly striking and attention-grabbing.

enthralling to listen to

Implies a captivating quality that completely captures the listener's attention.

riveting to hear

Indicates a compelling quality that holds the listener's interest intensely.

absorbing to listen to

Highlights the sound's ability to fully occupy one's attention.

compelling to listen to

Stresses the persuasive and irresistible nature of the sound.

intriguing to hear

Suggests a mysterious or fascinating quality that piques curiosity.

pleasing to the ear

Focuses specifically on the aesthetically pleasing quality of the sound.

FAQs

How can I use "captivating to hear" in a sentence?

You can use "captivating to hear" to describe a sound or auditory experience that is highly engaging and interesting. For example, "The music was so captivating to hear that I was completely lost in it."

What are some alternatives to "captivating to hear"?

You can use alternatives like "fascinating to listen to", "delightful to hear", or "engaging to listen to" depending on the context.

Is "captivating to hear" more appropriate for formal or informal contexts?

"Captivating to hear" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends more on the specific situation and the level of emotional expression you want to convey.

How does "captivating to hear" differ from "captivating to watch"?

"Captivating to hear" describes an auditory experience, while "captivating to watch" describes a visual experience. The former is used when sound is the primary element, whereas the latter is used when sight is the primary element.