falling under the spell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "falling under the spell" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone being enchanted or captivated by something or someone, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "As she listened to the haunting melody, she felt herself falling under the spell of the music."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Is Sophie falling under the spell of the charismatic Jeanne?

The Guardian - Film

Britain is slowly falling under the spell of these rechargeable cars.

The Guardian - Tech

A little later, he began investigating Western avant-garde ideas, falling under the spell of John Cage.

The New Yorker

The Independent asked leading figures within the Muslim community what can be done to prevent young Britons falling under the spell of Isis and joining its ranks.

Independent

Sometimes we took Virginia with us to guide us, to protect us from falling under the spell of another charismatic but impossible dog.

The New Yorker

He still believes Driesell to be a good man who was caught in the crucible of an industry falling under the spell of network largess.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Chomet fell under the spell.

The Guardian - Film

Even Lenin fell under the spell.

The New Yorker

Almost immediately I fell under the spell of his music.

Independent

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

The Guardian

They fall under the spell of romance; the production falls under the spell of technology, which, at times, threatens to upstage the hardworking ensemble.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "falling under the spell" to vividly describe a situation where someone is strongly influenced or captivated by an idea, person, or place. This phrase adds a touch of enchantment and emotional depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "falling under the spell" in purely technical or objective contexts. The phrase evokes a sense of enchantment or strong emotional influence, so it's less suitable for situations requiring neutral or factual descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "falling under the spell" functions as a verb phrase, often used metaphorically to describe the process of being strongly influenced or captivated by someone or something. The examples in Ludwig confirm this usage, indicating its role in describing enchantment or persuasion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "falling under the spell" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe being strongly influenced or captivated by something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, conveying a sense of enchantment or deep fascination. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where the emotional or metaphorical aspect of influence is relevant. Alternative phrases include "being captivated by" or "being enchanted by", depending on the specific nuance. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the phrase's evocative nature, avoiding its use in purely objective or technical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being mesmerized by

Implies a hypnotic state of captivation, where one is unable to look away or resist the influence.

being enchanted by

Highlights the magical or delightful qualities that captivate someone's attention and imagination.

being enthralled by

Implies a state of complete fascination and absorption, often suggesting a powerful and captivating influence.

being captivated by

Focuses on the state of being charmed and held by something, indicating a loss of control over one's attention or interest.

becoming entranced by

Indicates a state of being in a trance-like condition, where attention is completely focused and one loses awareness of their surroundings.

yielding to the charm of

Suggests a surrender to someone or something's pleasing or attractive qualities.

giving in to the fascination of

Focuses on the process of surrendering to a strong interest or captivation.

succumbing to the allure of

Emphasizes the attractiveness and temptation that leads someone to yield to a particular influence.

being seduced by

Suggests a subtle or deceptive attraction that leads someone to do something they might not otherwise do.

taken in by the magic of

Highlights the enchanting and wondrous aspects that lead someone to be deceived or influenced.

FAQs

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

You can use "falling under the spell" to describe someone being deeply influenced or charmed by something. For example, "The audience was "captivated by" the speaker's charisma, "falling under the spell" of his words".

What are some alternatives to "falling under the spell"?

Alternatives to "falling under the spell" include "being captivated by", "being enchanted by", or "succumbing to the allure of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "falling under the spell" in formal writing?

While "falling under the spell" is generally acceptable, it's best suited for contexts where a sense of enchantment or strong influence is relevant. In more formal or technical writing, consider alternatives that convey influence without the same level of emotional coloring.

What's the difference between "falling under the spell" and "being influenced by"?

"Falling under the spell" suggests a stronger, more enchanting influence that can be almost magical. "Being influenced by" is a more general term indicating that someone's thoughts or actions have been affected, but without the same sense of captivation.