fall into a trance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall into a trance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event in which a person becomes deeply absorbed in an activity or experience, typically in a way involving a heightened state of awareness or altered consciousness. For example, "After 45 minutes of intense meditation, John fell into a trance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I can't fall into a trance so easily.

The Economist

It's gripping from the off and makes the reader fall into a trance of adventure!

The Guardian

A few were still whispering, but I sensed the room was about to fall into a trance of majestic silence.

The New York Times

"It is as likely to work as not that audience members will fall into a trance, but you never know".

The Guardian

After they fall into a trance,there are hours of ecstatic dancing, then a climax of fire swallowing.

The New York Times

In this case the shaman, as actor/priest, was able to fall into a trance and become a medium with the other world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

At the onset of a storm, the vetrovnjak would fall into a trance-like sleep.

Wikipedia

At the sight of hail clouds, the alovit man would fall into a trance-like sleep, before his soul issued from his body and flew up to the clouds.

Wikipedia

There he falls into a trance, and reawakens as a woman.

The Guardian - Books

Peter Morgan, who wrote such shrewd and worldly movies as "The Queen" and "Frost/Nixon," seems to have fallen into a trance himself.

The New Yorker

But the bohemians of Paris fell into a trance — at one of these concerts, Baudelaire experienced "love unbridled, immense, chaotic, raised to the level of a counter-religion, a Satanic religion" — and the phenomenon of Wagnerism began.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall into a trance" to describe a gradual process of entering an altered state of consciousness, often due to deep focus or external influence.

Common error

Avoid using "fall into a trance" when simply describing someone relaxing. The phrase implies a deeper state of altered consciousness than just being at ease.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall into a trance" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of entering an altered state of consciousness. It is commonly used to describe a gradual shift in awareness, as supported by Ludwig's examples showcasing instances of meditation or hypnosis.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fall into a trance" is a versatile expression used to depict a gradual shift into an altered state of consciousness. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse sources like news articles, encyclopedias, and general-knowledge websites, reflecting its common understanding and usability. Although the word is often associated with a certain connotation, "fall into a trance" is not always related to hypnosis and can also describe states reached through meditation, deep concentration, or even exhaustion. Knowing when and how to use the phrase accurately ensures effective communication, avoiding ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enter a trance state

Focuses on the state itself rather than the process of entering it.

go into a hypnotic state

Specifies the type of altered state as hypnotic.

become mesmerized

Emphasizes the captivating aspect of losing focus.

drift into unconsciousness

Highlights a loss of awareness, often gradual.

lapse into a daze

Implies a state of confusion or disorientation.

zone out

Informal term for detaching from one's surroundings.

lose oneself

Focuses on losing track of one's identity or surroundings in an activity.

become absorbed

Highlights deep engagement in something, potentially leading to a trance-like state.

be hypnotized

Suggests an external influence causing the trance-like state.

succumb to a hypnotic suggestion

Highlights yielding to external influence and entering into trance.

FAQs

How can I use "fall into a trance" in a sentence?

You can use "fall into a trance" to describe entering an altered state of consciousness, such as, "After hours of meditation, she began to "fall into a trance"."

What's a less formal way to say "fall into a trance"?

Alternatives like "zone out" or "space out" can be used in informal contexts to describe a similar state of detachment.

Is "fall into a trance" always related to hypnosis?

No, while hypnosis can induce a trance, the phrase ""fall into a trance"" can also describe states reached through meditation, deep concentration, or even exhaustion.

What is the difference between "become mesmerized" and "fall into a trance"?

"Become mesmerized" implies being captivated by something external, whereas ""fall into a trance"" suggests an internal shift in consciousness, though external stimuli can contribute.