capture public imagination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "capture public imagination" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to gain the attention and interest of the general public. Example: The new movie has captured the public imagination with its stunning special effects and gripping storyline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The Hatton Garden Heist is not the first story to capture public imagination.

Independent

So it is, then, that some factories are designing new gadgets in the hope that they could capture public imagination.

MIT Technology Review

Although the idea continues to capture public imagination, most linguists considered it an urban legend, born of sloppy scholarship and journalistic exaggeration.

The Washington Post

Friday is the Day of National Unity in Russia, a post-Soviet holiday that has failed to capture public imagination but is strongly promoted by authorities.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

This may have been a domestic dream a half-century ago, when the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence first captured public imagination.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Once the pay ratio figures started arriving in 2018, they captured public imagination in ways that the typically long and technical corporate disclosure documents never do.

Columbia University

Still, the phenomenon of a black president of the world's most powerful nation captured public imagination in many quarters of the globe.

The New York Times

Jacques-Yves Cousteau's exploration of shipwrecks, discovery of previously unknown marine flora and fauna, and invention of novel deep-sea exploration tools had already captured public imagination worldwide.

BBC

The enduring mystery of who committed the crimes has captured public imagination to the present day.

Wikipedia

"Companies capture the public imagination.

The New York Times - Tech

How did it capture the public imagination?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "capture public imagination" when you want to emphasize the act of gaining widespread interest and attention, often implying a sense of wonder or excitement.

Common error

Avoid using "capture public imagination" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise language that reflects the specific goal, such as "gain public support" or "raise public awareness".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "capture public imagination" functions as a verbal phrase. It describes the action of attracting and holding the interest of the general public. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

21%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "capture public imagination" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies gaining widespread public interest and attention. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is used across various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Formal & Business settings, with a neutral register. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise language might be preferred. Related phrases include "grab the public's attention" and "captivate the audience", offering alternative ways to express similar ideas. Remember to use this phrase when something gains traction with the general public, sparking a sense of wonder or excitement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grab the public's attention

Focuses more on the initial act of seizing attention, implying a sudden impact.

captivate the audience

Emphasizes the charm and allure involved in holding the public's interest.

spark public interest

Highlights the generation of initial curiosity and enthusiasm among the public.

win the hearts and minds of the public

Implies a deeper, more emotional connection with the public, going beyond mere attention.

dominate the public discourse

Suggests a significant influence on public conversation and debate.

seize the public mood

Focuses on understanding and responding to the prevailing emotional state of the public.

generate buzz

Highlights the creation of excitement and widespread conversation around a topic.

become a talking point

Emphasizes the phrase's ability to be discussed widely.

grip the nation

Indicates a strong hold on the collective interest of the entire country.

appeal to the masses

Focuses on attracting a broad and diverse audience.

FAQs

How can I use "capture public imagination" in a sentence?

You can use "capture public imagination" to describe an event, idea, or person that has gained widespread attention and interest, for example: "The new space mission is expected to "capture public imagination"."

What are some synonyms for "capture public imagination"?

Alternatives include "grab the public's attention", "captivate the audience", or "spark public interest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "capture public imagination" formal or informal?

"Capture public imagination" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts, from news articles to academic papers, though very formal contexts might benefit from a more precise synonym.

What makes something "capture public imagination" rather than just being popular?

Something that ""capture public imagination"" not only becomes popular but also sparks a sense of wonder, excitement, or deep interest, often leading to widespread discussion and engagement beyond simple popularity.