has been captivating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been captivating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has consistently held someone's interest or attention over a period of time. Example: "The novel has been captivating readers since its release, drawing them into its intricate plot and rich characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

But inside Russia, another Gazprom story has been captivating investors.

The Economist

That is a high standard for any World Series to meet, but this one has been captivating in its own, fractured way.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. King has always leavened his horror stories with humor, and his storytelling has been captivating even when his jokes fall flat.

The New York Times - Arts

He has been captivating throughout this Champions League run.

BBC

Nigeria's May7ven has been captivating audiences with her music and her acrobatic dance displays.

BBC

The result: Siwash Lake Wilderness Retreat - a wilderness resort that has been captivating guests from across the globe.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Still, the nation has been captivated by the drama here like no other event since the World Cup last summer.

The New York Times

Britain has been captivated by a live stream of people attempting to cross a puddle in Newcastle.

The Guardian - Tech

Nine British handknitters are showcased at the Henri Bendel stores this fall, and each has been captivated by chenille.

The New York Times - Style

The retail industry has been captivated by Amazon Go's technology since the company unveiled the store late last year.

The New York Times - Tech

And since then, the world has been captivated by the transformation that's taken place, and the United States has supported the forces of change.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been captivating" to describe something that has consistently attracted and held interest over a period. It is suitable for describing ongoing phenomena or enduring qualities.

Common error

Avoid using "has been captivating" for fleeting trends or interests. This phrase implies a sustained period of attention, so it's not appropriate for things that quickly fade from popularity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been captivating" functions as a verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense. It describes an action that began in the past and continues into the present. Ludwig AI examples showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been captivating" is a versatile and grammatically correct verb phrase in the present perfect continuous tense, predominantly used to describe something that has consistently held attention or interest over a period. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Academia. While it's generally acceptable, it's best suited for subjects with sustained appeal and not fleeting trends. Consider alternatives like "has been enthralling" or "has been fascinating" to adjust the specific nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been enthralling

Replaces "captivating" with a synonym that emphasizes a sense of wonder and delight.

has been fascinating

Substitutes "captivating" with a term highlighting intellectual appeal and intrigue.

has been gripping

Changes "captivating" to a word that suggests a strong hold on attention, often in suspenseful contexts.

has been engaging

Replaces "captivating" with a term that focuses on active involvement and interest.

has been absorbing

Substitutes "captivating" with a word that indicates complete mental immersion.

has been mesmerizing

Changes "captivating" to a term that implies a hypnotic or spellbinding effect.

has been bewitching

Replaces "captivating" with a synonym that suggests a magical or enchanting quality.

has been intriguing

Substitutes "captivating" with a term highlighting curiosity and interest.

has been charming

Changes "captivating" to a word that suggests a pleasing or delightful quality.

has been delighting

Replaces "captivating" with a synonym that focuses on pleasure and enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "has been captivating" in a sentence?

Use "has been captivating" to describe something that has consistently held someone's attention over time. For example, "The performance "has been captivating" audiences for years."

What are some alternatives to "has been captivating"?

You can use alternatives such as "has been enthralling", "has been fascinating", or "has been gripping" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "has been captivating" formal or informal?

"Has been captivating" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase suitable for both news media and academic writing.

What's the difference between "has been captivating" and "was captivating"?

"Has been captivating" implies the captivating nature is ongoing from a past point to the present, whereas "was captivating" describes something that captivated in the past but may no longer do so. For example, "The speaker "has been captivating" audiences for years," versus "The speaker was captivating, but his style has changed since then."