fascinated by

USAGE SUMMARY

"fascinated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who is feeling enthusiastic about and intensely interested in something: John was fascinated by the special effects in the movie.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'm fascinated by them.

Independent

"I'm fascinated by it.

The New York Times

He is fascinated by dolphins.

The New York Times

And continually fascinated by it.

The New York Times

We were fascinated by Ilgauskas.

The New Yorker

He was fascinated by technology.

The New Yorker

I am fascinated by it.

The New Yorker

Emily was fascinated by her.

The New Yorker

"Jack was fascinated by that.

The New Yorker

Fascinated by silly Internet memes?

The New York Times - Sports

"But I'm fascinated by it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fascinated by", ensure that the object of fascination is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "fascinated by" for casual interests. Reserve it for subjects that genuinely captivate and intrigue you. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fascinated by" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition. It describes a state of being intensely interested or captivated by something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fascinated by" is a widely used and grammatically correct way to express a strong sense of interest and captivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for describing anything that deeply intrigues or enthralls you. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals the phrase's prevalence in news and media, alongside other contexts, indicating broad applicability. When choosing an alternative, consider nuances of meaning to best reflect the intended level and type of interest; options range from "intrigued by" to "enthralled by". Remember to reserve "fascinated by" for subjects that truly captivate, as overuse can dilute its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intrigued by

Focuses on the element of mystery or complexity that sparks interest.

captivated by

Emphasizes the feeling of being charmed or enchanted by something.

enthralled by

Suggests a more intense and almost hypnotic level of fascination.

mesmerized by

Implies a trancelike state of fascination, often with something visually striking.

absorbed in

Highlights the state of being completely engrossed or immersed in something.

engrossed in

Similar to 'absorbed in' but can also imply a longer duration of interest.

preoccupied with

Indicates that something occupies one's thoughts to a significant degree.

interested in

A more general term for having a positive feeling of wanting to know more about something.

curious about

Implies a desire to explore or investigate something further.

attracted to

Suggests a draw or appeal towards something, not always intellectual.

FAQs

How can I use "fascinated by" in a sentence?

Use "fascinated by" to express a strong sense of interest or captivation. For example, "She was fascinated by the intricate details of the ancient artifact".

What are some alternatives to "fascinated by"?

You can use alternatives like "intrigued by", "captivated by", or "enthralled by" to express similar meanings.

Is it better to say "fascinated by" or "interested in"?

"Fascinated by" suggests a deeper, more intense level of interest than "interested in". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of your interest.

What's the difference between "fascinated by" and "obsessed with"?

"Fascinated by" implies a strong interest and captivation, while "obsessed with" suggests an excessive and often unhealthy preoccupation. Use "fascinated by" when describing a healthy, intellectual interest.