hooked on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hooked on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a strong fascination or addiction to something, often in a positive context. Example: "Ever since I discovered that new series, I've been completely hooked on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He hooked on with the Rockford (Ill).

Los Angeles Times

"You get hooked on it".

The New York Times

Filipinos are hooked on its dramas.

The Economist

"But I got hooked on it".

The New York Times

I became hooked on the icy life.

The New York Times

I was hooked on the Army.

The New York Times

I'm not hooked on smoking.

The New York Times - Style

"You're hooked on that feeling".

The New York Times

"We are hooked on them.

The Guardian

But I'm hooked on the story itself.

The New York Times

I'm totally hooked on the New York City Marathon.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hooked on" to convey a strong liking or fascination with something, but be mindful of the context. While it often implies enjoyment, it can also suggest a dependency that might be viewed negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "hooked on" when describing severe addiction. While it can imply dependency, stronger terms like "addicted to" are more appropriate for substances or behaviors with serious consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hooked on" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase following a verb (usually a form of "be" or "get"). According to Ludwig AI, this construction indicates a state of being very interested in or enthusiastic about something. The examples showcase its common use in expressing a strong liking or fascination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

24%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hooked on" is a prepositional phrase denoting a strong liking or enthusiasm for something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While generally informal, it appears frequently in news articles and casual conversation. When more formality is required, alternatives like "engrossed in" or "absorbed by" may be more appropriate. It's essential to consider the context and avoid using "hooked on" in scenarios where a more serious addiction is being discussed. Key sources using the phrase include The New York Times and The Guardian, solidifying its place in mainstream language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

addicted to

Implies a stronger sense of dependency, often used in negative contexts.

enthralled by

Suggests being captivated or charmed by something.

captivated by

Emphasizes the charm and allure that holds someone's attention.

obsessed with

Indicates an extreme preoccupation or fixation.

keen on

Expresses a strong interest or enthusiasm.

passionate about

Highlights a deep emotional connection and enthusiasm.

fond of

Indicates affection or liking for something.

taken with

Suggests being charmed or impressed by something.

consumed by

Indicates something taking up a significant amount of one's time or thoughts.

devoted to

Expresses a strong commitment or dedication.

FAQs

How can I use "hooked on" in a sentence?

You can use "hooked on" to describe a strong interest or enjoyment in something. For example, "I'm "hooked on" this new TV series" or "She's "hooked on" playing video games after school".

What's a less intense way to say "hooked on"?

If you want to express enthusiasm without implying addiction, you can use phrases like "interested in", "keen on", or "enjoying" to describe your liking for something.

Is it okay to use "hooked on" in formal writing?

While "hooked on" is widely understood, it's generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "absorbed in", "engrossed in", or "dedicated to" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "hooked on" and "addicted to"?

While both phrases indicate a strong attachment, "addicted to" typically implies a more severe, often negative, dependency. "Hooked on" suggests strong enthusiasm or enjoyment, whereas "addicted to" suggests compulsive behavior that is difficult to stop.