entertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is enjoyable or amusing, often in the context of performances, media, or activities that capture attention. Example: "The movie was so entertaining that I lost track of time while watching it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Books

Film

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Talking to the Observer last year after the release of his latest film, Magic in the Moonlight starring Colin Firth, Allen said: "It's hard to find a story with a good beginning, middle and end that'll be entertaining to an audience.

The Guardian

If politicians are entertaining they've got more leeway to make big policy decisions because everyone's diverted by the show".

The Guardian - Books

Most of the ridiculousness went against me, but it never failed to be entertaining.

The Guardian - Tech

Finally, Disraeli: or the Two Lives by Douglas Hurd and Edward Young (Weidenfeld & Nicolson) is half the length of the usual political biography, and twice as entertaining.

The Guardian - Books

Some winners of premium rate phone-in competitions were chosen based on whether they might make "entertaining" contestants, according to a scathing investigation by Deloitte.

The Guardian

And while the captain admits he may have been too conservative in the past, he believes attacking players such as Ben Stokes, who scored an 85-ball century in that win, will naturally see England's style of cricket become entertaining.

The Guardian - Sport

Winners of premium rate phone-in competitions on shows fronted by Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly were chosen based on whether they might make "entertaining" contestants, according to the Deloitte report published today.

The Guardian

He's one of the foremost authors on James Bond, able therefore to explain to me the meaning of A Quantum of Solace and happy to regale me with wealth of entertaining stories over a Bloody Mary (or nine).

The Guardian - Film

A fierce and (to me, anyway) entertaining imagination, a sense of humour (I never minded being laughed at) and a healthy dollop of optimism meant I would have called myself happy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It was fantastically entertaining in a comically dirty sort of way, but also pretty awful.

The Guardian - Sport

It amused the crowd no end: the series against England is likely to prove equally entertaining.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entertaining" to describe content that captures and holds an audience's attention in an enjoyable way. Consider the specific emotion or effect you want to convey, and choose a synonym if it better fits the context.

Common error

Avoid using "entertaining" as a catch-all term for anything you find good. Ensure it truly amuses or captivates, rather than simply being informative or well-made.

Linguistic Context

The word "entertaining" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that provides amusement or enjoyment. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

20%

Books

10%

Less common in

Film

10%

Lifestyle

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entertaining" is a versatile adjective used to describe something that provides amusement or enjoyment and holds one's attention. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media, Sport, and Books. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to avoid overusing it as a generic positive descriptor. Alternatives like "amusing", "enjoyable", and "engaging" can offer more nuanced descriptions. Remember that something is "entertaining" because it keeps the audience hooked in an enjoyable way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amusing

Focuses more on causing laughter or providing lighthearted enjoyment.

enjoyable

Emphasizes the pleasure or satisfaction derived from the experience.

engaging

Highlights the ability to capture and maintain attention and interest.

captivating

Suggests a strong power to fascinate or hold spellbound.

delightful

Implies a high degree of pleasure and charm.

riveting

Indicates something that completely holds one's attention, often due to suspense or excitement.

absorbing

Suggests something that fully occupies one's mind or attention.

diverting

Implies providing a pleasant distraction from boredom or worry.

stimulating

Focuses on arousing interest or enthusiasm.

witty

Highlights the cleverness or humor of something.

FAQs

How can I use "entertaining" in a sentence?

You can use "entertaining" to describe something enjoyable or amusing, like "The movie was very "entertaining"" or "He is an "entertaining" speaker".

What are some alternatives to the word "entertaining"?

Alternatives include "amusing", "enjoyable", "engaging", or "captivating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "entertaining" even if it's not funny?

Yes, "entertaining" doesn't necessarily mean funny. It means capable of holding your attention in an enjoyable way, which can include suspense, drama, or other engaging elements.

What makes something "entertaining" vs. simply "good"?

"Good" is a general positive descriptor, while "entertaining" specifically implies that something is enjoyable and holds your attention. A documentary might be good because it's informative, but also "entertaining" because it presents the information in a captivating way.