in a trance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in a trance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who appears to be in a state of intense concentration or preoccupation, usually as the result of deep thought, meditation, drugs, or exhaustion. For example, "When he was playing the piano, he was in a trance, his fingers moving across the keys with effortless grace".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

In a trance.

The Guardian

They were still in a trance.

The New Yorker

I'm not in a trance.

The Guardian - Books

We were in a trance.

The Guardian - Arts

Was she in a trance?

The New York Times - Tech

He seems in a trance.

The New York Times

It's almost like we're in a trance".

The New Yorker

He was virtually in a trance.

The New Yorker

He appears to be in a trance.

The New York Times - Magazine

In a trance, I went to her.

The New York Times - Food

It was like being in a trance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a trance" to vividly describe a state of deep focus, intense concentration, or altered consciousness. This phrase effectively communicates a sense of detachment from reality and heightened immersion in a particular activity or thought.

Common error

Avoid using "in a trance" when you intend to describe simple focus or happiness. The phrase often implies a loss of awareness or control, which might not be the intended meaning. Instead of "in a trance", use words like 'focused', 'absorbed', or 'engrossed' to convey positive states of concentration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a trance" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed or the state someone is in. Ludwig AI shows this through examples describing someone acting or appearing detached.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Arts

15%

Lifestyle

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a trance" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe a state of altered awareness, intense concentration, or detachment from reality. According to Ludwig AI, its primary function is adverbial, modifying verbs to indicate the manner of an action. It frequently appears in news media, arts, and lifestyle contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to avoid using it when simple focus is intended. Alternatives like "in a daze", "mesmerized", or "completely absorbed" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entranced

Similar to mesmerized, suggesting a state of wonder and captivation.

in a daze

Emphasizes a state of confusion or bewilderment, slightly different from deep focus.

mesmerized

Indicates a captivating or spellbound state, implying external influence.

spellbound

Implies being held captive by something fascinating, a slightly more dramatic tone.

in a stupor

Suggests a state of near-unconsciousness or reduced sensibility, a stronger degree of detachment.

completely absorbed

Focuses on the intense concentration and immersion in something, losing awareness of surroundings.

dreamlike state

Conveys a sense of unreality and detachment, similar to a dream.

in a hypnotic state

Directly implies influence or control, more specific than simply being deeply absorbed.

lost in thought

Highlights the internal mental activity rather than the external appearance of being detached.

out of touch with reality

Focuses on the disconnection from the present moment and surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "in a trance" in a sentence?

Use "in a trance" to describe someone who seems unaware of their surroundings because they are deeply focused, dreaming, or otherwise detached from reality. For example, "The musician played "in a trance", seemingly oblivious to the audience".

What does it mean to be "in a trance"?

Being "in a trance" suggests a state of altered consciousness or deep absorption, where someone is less aware of their surroundings. This can be caused by intense focus, meditation, or even certain medical conditions.

What's the difference between ""in a trance"" and "in a daze"?

While both describe altered states, being ""in a trance"" often implies a deeper, more focused state of altered consciousness, whereas "in a daze" suggests confusion and disorientation.

What are some situations where someone might be described as being "in a trance"?

People might be described as being ""in a trance"" while meditating, performing a complex task requiring intense focus, or experiencing a shock or trauma that causes them to become detached from reality.