cast a spell over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cast a spell over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe the act of enchanting or captivating someone or something, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The beautiful melody seemed to cast a spell over the audience, leaving them in a trance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They say "It seems to cast a spell over both sight and sense.

Independent

Now I'm beginning to believe someone has cast a spell over the world's consumers.

The Guardian

"Do you think they could cast a spell over me?" he asked rhetorically.

The New York Times

This person looked just like a conventional witch and she cast a spell over a little white dog.

The New Yorker

I can't remember the last time a novel cast a spell over me like this one did.

The Guardian - Books

AB The first morning at Trent Bridge, of course, when someone must have cast a spell over the ground.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

At one point she casts a spell over a Narnian prince, making him dance attendance on her.

The New York Times - Books

The VooDoo has been casting a spell over trail riders for several years now thanks to a combination of comp-level specs at an affordable price.

The Guardian

"Dennis is viewed as the éminence grise, a sort of Rasputin who casts a spell over secretaries of state and presidents," said Aaron David Miller, a Middle East expert who has worked with him over several administrations and says he is an admirer.

The New York Times

Like the widow's walk on the homes of yesteryear's fishermen, the potato barn, a relic of such hardscrabble republican virtues as agrarian self-reliance, still casts a spell over North Fork old-timers.

The New York Times

Kennedy had artfully arranged big-band style spots for several of the players – viola, cello, the versatile veteran bass player Yaron Stavi – often with Arabic tonalities legitimately casting a spell over the original, written in the cultural melting pot of Venice.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cast a spell over" when you want to convey a sense of enchantment or strong influence, often with positive or captivating connotations. This phrase works well in describing art, performances, or personalities that have a powerful effect on people.

Common error

Avoid using "cast a spell over" to describe ordinary or unremarkable situations. The phrase implies a significant and almost magical impact, so it's best reserved for instances where that level of influence is genuinely present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cast a spell over" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically describes an action where something or someone exerts a captivating, enchanting, or otherwise strong influence on someone or something else. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "cast a spell over" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a captivating or enchanting influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. It is most effective when describing situations where a sense of wonder or strong fascination is present. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in mundane contexts, reserving it for situations where a significant impact is genuinely felt. Alternatives such as "enchant", "captivate", and "mesmerize" can be considered for more precise or formal tones.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bewitch

Carries a stronger connotation of magic or enchantment.

weave a magic spell

More explicitly magical and fantastical.

mesmerize

Implies a hypnotic or trancelike effect.

entrance

Similar to mesmerize, but can also mean to fill with delight or wonder.

captivate

Emphasizes holding someone's attention and interest completely.

fascinate

Highlights the compelling and absorbing nature of the subject.

enchant

Focuses on the charm and delight, a slight shift from the broad impact of "cast a spell over".

charm

Suggests a more gentle and pleasing influence.

hold sway over

Indicates a controlling or dominating influence.

exert influence on

A more formal and neutral way of expressing impact.

FAQs

How can I use "cast a spell over" in a sentence?

You can use "cast a spell over" to describe something that has a captivating or enchanting effect. For example, "The music seemed to "cast a spell over" the audience" or "Her performance "cast a spell over" everyone in the room."

What are some alternatives to "cast a spell over"?

Some alternatives to "cast a spell over" include "enchant", "captivate", "mesmerize", or "fascinate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "cast a spell over" in formal writing?

While "cast a spell over" is more common in descriptive or creative writing, it can be used in formal writing if the context warrants it. However, consider whether a more neutral term like "exert influence on" or "captivate" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "cast a spell over" and "have an effect on"?

"Cast a spell over" implies a more magical or enchanting influence, often suggesting a sense of wonder or captivation. "Have an effect on" is a more general and neutral term that simply indicates that something has an impact, without specifying the nature of that impact.