fall under the spell of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall under the spell of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone becomes enchanted or captivated by something or someone. Example: "She fell under the spell of the enchanting music, losing track of time as she danced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

It's easy to fall under the spell of the murky, paranoid world of "Rubicon".

The New York Times - Arts

In moments like these, you fall under the spell of the circus".

The New York Times - Arts

At this time, he was listening to little twentieth-century music, although he did fall under the spell of Sibelius.

The New Yorker

At this time, he was listening to little twentieth-century music, although he did fall under the spell of Sibelius..

The New Yorker

The explorer did not realize that Europe would soon fall under the spell of tobacco and the rest of the world would follow suit.

Yale University

Ray Milland and Ruth Hussey star as an oddly intimate brother and sister who fall under the spell of an abandoned home high on a rocky English coastline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Almost immediately I fell under the spell of his music.

Independent

Instead, Foot fell under the spell of the shipyard firebrands.

The Guardian

Is Sophie falling under the spell of the charismatic Jeanne?

The Guardian - Film

Europe visited the site "and fell under the spell of the place," he said.

The New York Times

The world's wine business quickly fell under the spell of the potentially vast China market.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall under the spell of" to describe a captivating experience or influence, whether it's a person, place, idea, or work of art. For example: "The audience fell under the spell of the actress's performance."

Common error

While "fall under the spell of" is widely understood, it can sound overly dramatic or informal in certain academic or professional settings. Opt for more neutral language like "be influenced by" or "be captivated by" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall under the spell of" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating that someone is strongly influenced, charmed, or captivated by something or someone. It suggests a sense of enchantment or irresistible attraction, often leading to a change in behavior or perspective, as evidenced by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Academia

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fall under the spell of" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe a state of being captivated or strongly influenced by someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media. While it can add color to your writing, remember to use it judiciously in formal contexts where more neutral language might be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "be captivated by" or "be influenced by" for formal settings. Overall, understanding the nuances of "fall under the spell of" will enhance your writing and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be captivated by

Focuses more on the feeling of being held captive by charm or beauty.

become enchanted by

Emphasizes the magical or mystical aspect of the attraction.

be entranced by

Highlights a state of deep absorption and fascination.

be mesmerized by

Suggests a hypnotic or irresistible allure.

succumb to the allure of

Implies a yielding to a tempting or seductive influence.

be charmed by

Focuses on the pleasant and delightful nature of the attraction.

be seduced by

Suggests a more deliberate and persuasive form of attraction.

be enthralled by

Indicates a state of being completely fascinated and delighted.

be bewitched by

Implies a magical and irresistible enchantment.

lose oneself in

Highlights the immersive and absorbing nature of the experience.

FAQs

How can I use "fall under the spell of" in a sentence?

You can use "fall under the spell of" to describe someone being captivated or strongly influenced by something. For example, "Many tourists "fall under the spell of" Paris's romantic atmosphere."

What's a more formal alternative to "fall under the spell of"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "be influenced by", "be captivated by", or "be entranced by" as alternatives to ""fall under the spell of"".

What does it mean to "fall under the spell of" something?

To ""fall under the spell of"" something means to be strongly influenced, charmed, or captivated by it, often to the point of being unable to resist its allure.

Is "fall under the spell of" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, ""fall under the spell of"" may be too informal or figurative for some academic writing. Consider more direct and objective language like "be influenced by" or "be affected by".