gripped by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gripped by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an intense emotion someone is experiencing. For example, "The audience was gripped by fear as the presence of the stranger filled the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Pakistan is gripped by two overlapping crises.

The New Yorker

You are gripped by psychotic delusions.

The New York Times - Books

My mind is gripped by indecision.

Independent

"I was gripped by Downton Abbey.

Independent

"Now investors are gripped by greed".

The New York Times

Paris is gripped by folie de forró.

The New York Times - Travel

The country became gripped by Essex mania.

Independent

He was gripped by grief.

The Guardian

Still gripped by OLYMPIC FEVER?!!?!

The Guardian - Sport

I was gripped by Brooklyn (Penguin, 2009).

The Guardian - Books

Hanns was gripped by a righteous anger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gripped by" to vividly describe a strong emotional or intellectual hold, making your writing more engaging and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "gripped by" in contexts that don't involve intense emotions or strong influences. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "interested in" or "focused on" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gripped by" functions primarily as a descriptive verbal phrase, indicating a state of being strongly affected or influenced. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. Examples show it describing emotional states, societal trends, and personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gripped by" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe being intensely affected or influenced by something. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and widespread use, particularly in News & Media contexts. While highly effective for conveying strong emotions or impacts, avoid overuse in neutral situations. Consider alternatives like "captivated by" or "consumed by" for varied expression. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and effectiveness in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consumed by

Suggests a state of being completely absorbed or overwhelmed, similar to being "gripped by" something.

engrossed in

Implies deep involvement and attention, akin to being tightly "gripped by" an activity or idea.

captivated by

Conveys a sense of being charmed or fascinated, comparable to being held "gripped by" something intriguing.

enthralled by

Similar to captivated, but suggests a more intense and magical sense of being held, mirroring the power of being "gripped by".

overcome by

Highlights the feeling of being overpowered or deeply affected, much like the impact of being "gripped by" a strong emotion.

preoccupied with

Indicates a state of being deeply absorbed in thought, analogous to how something might keep you "gripped by" a problem.

beset by

Focuses on the idea of being troubled or afflicted, resembling the negative connotation of being "gripped by" fear or anxiety.

dominated by

Implies control or influence, similar to how one might be "gripped by" an idea that dictates their actions.

under the sway of

Emphasizes influence or control, reflecting the idea of being strongly affected or "gripped by" an external force.

in the clutches of

Conveys a sense of being trapped or intensely held, akin to the feeling of being "gripped by" something overwhelming.

FAQs

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

Use "gripped by" to describe a state of being intensely affected or controlled by something, such as "The nation was gripped by fear during the pandemic".

What are some alternatives to "gripped by"?

You can use alternatives like "consumed by", "captivated by", or "enthralled by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gripped by" in formal writing?

Yes, "gripped by" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing strong emotions or significant impacts. However, ensure the context justifies its intensity.

What's the difference between "gripped by" and "interested in"?

"Gripped by" suggests a strong, often involuntary, hold or influence, while "interested in" indicates a more casual level of curiosity or attention. For example, you might be "interested in" a new hobby, but "gripped by" a suspenseful novel.