gripping

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'gripping' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is intense, or makes one feel a strong emotion. Example: The gripping story kept the audience captivated until the end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

First, Manchester, where apathy doesn't come close to describing the feeling gripping people in Moss Side.

The Guardian

All of this is gripping for the reader, but make no mistake: even if every one of those missteps had been avoided, Labour would still have lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

The city's Safety Advisory Group called an extraordinary meeting today to discuss the implications of the ongoing wintry conditions gripping much of the country.

The Guardian - Sport

With economic decay, war, persecution and unemployment gripping at least a dozen countries on Europe's southern rim, the surge of migration north has overwhelmed authorities in Europe, which has struggled to articulate a single coherent policy and, say critics, played into the hands of unscrupulous people traffickers.

The Guardian

This was an exciting, gripping tale full of slapstick comedy with hilarious illustrations moving the story along.

The Guardian

An authentic and gripping read rooted in female friendship and heroism.

The Guardian

It's a shocking, heart-wrenching tale, but absolutely gripping.

The Guardian

Kerry Mason, from Letterbox Library (who administer the award) added, "From boys who take up knitting to peace loving forest birds to fighting fascism, this year's shortlist entertained, tickled, provoked and rallied- but in the end, for all of our judges, Scarlet Ibis stood out for wrapping up very 'live', pressing, social concerns within skilled, gripping, storytelling".

The Guardian

There is a great unspoken paradox about the current politico-fiscal crisis gripping the Republic of Ireland.

The Guardian

Lyn Gardner: Blasted was dismissed by a handful of critics but the conversation has changed A blast at our smug theatre: Edward Bond on Sarah Kane Sarah Kane: Why can't theatre be as gripping as footie?

The Guardian

It is gripping and keeps you begging for more.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gripping" to describe narratives, performances, or situations that strongly hold the audience's attention and evoke intense emotions. It is particularly effective when describing suspenseful or dramatic content.

Common error

Avoid using "gripping" to describe everyday or routine situations that lack intensity or excitement. Overusing the word can diminish its impact when applied to truly captivating scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "gripping" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that captures and holds attention firmly. Ludwig examples show it frequently describes narratives, events, or situations that evoke strong emotions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "gripping" functions as an adjective used to describe something intensely captivating and attention-grabbing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It commonly appears in News & Media sources, denoting narratives or events that evoke strong emotions. While alternatives like "riveting" or "captivating" exist to provide similar meanings, "gripping" specifically emphasizes the intensity of the hold on one's attention. When writing, it's advisable to reserve "gripping" for contexts that genuinely warrant such a strong descriptor, avoiding overuse in mundane scenarios to maintain its impact. Remember to maintain a neutral to professional register in formal writing, and reference authoritative sources to ensure accurate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

riveting

Emphasizes the compelling nature of something that holds one's attention tightly.

captivating

Highlights the charm and allure that draws someone in.

engrossing

Suggests a deep immersion and absorption in something.

enthralling

Implies a magical or spellbinding quality that captivates.

absorbing

Focuses on the way something takes up all of one's attention and energy.

fascinating

Highlights the intriguing and interesting aspects of something.

compelling

Emphasizes the powerful and irresistible nature of something.

spellbinding

Suggests a magical quality that holds someone completely under its influence.

intriguing

Highlights the mysterious and curious nature of something.

arresting

Emphasizes the way something immediately captures one's attention.

FAQs

How can I use "gripping" in a sentence?

You can use "gripping" to describe a story, movie, or event that holds your attention and evokes strong emotions. For example, "The movie was a gripping thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat."

What are some alternatives to the word "gripping"?

You can use alternatives such as "riveting", "captivating", or "engrossing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "gripping" in formal writing?

Yes, "gripping" is appropriate in formal writing when describing something that genuinely captures attention and evokes strong emotions. However, ensure that the context justifies the intensity of the word.

What's the difference between "gripping" and "interesting"?

"Gripping" implies a more intense and emotional hold on one's attention, while "interesting" simply suggests something that is engaging or piques curiosity. A "gripping" story is likely to be more dramatic and suspenseful than simply an "interesting" one.