in raptures

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in raptures" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of intense joy or delight, often in response to something wonderful or exciting. Example: "She was in raptures over the surprise party her friends had organized for her birthday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His opponents were in raptures.

The Guardian

Brighton fans were in raptures.

The Guardian - Sport

The room was in raptures.

The Guardian - Film

Italy were in raptures, Wales in despair.

The Guardian - Sport

The crowd is in raptures & Adams is lapping it up!

The New York Times

To my annoyance, my guests were in raptures.

Independent

Dan, my companion for the trip, was in raptures.

The Guardian - Travel

In spring the lakeside flowers will have you in raptures.

The Guardian - Travel

· Lovers of PG Wodehouse will be in raptures.

The Guardian - Books

His colleagues speak in raptures about his intellect, academic integrity and pragmatism.

Independent

Adele was in raptures, jumping up from her seat to cheer him on.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in raptures" to vividly convey a sense of overwhelming joy or delight, particularly when describing reactions to art, performance, or significant events. For example, "The audience was in raptures after the soprano's performance."

Common error

Avoid using "in raptures" to describe ordinary or commonplace situations. This phrase is best reserved for moments of exceptional joy or intense pleasure, not everyday occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in raptures" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adjective to describe the state of a person or group. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate that they are experiencing intense joy or delight, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sport

19%

Music

12%

Less common in

Travel

9%

Books

3%

Arts

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in raptures" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of intense joy or delight. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is versatile and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and music reporting. While it effectively conveys strong positive emotions, it's best reserved for moments of exceptional pleasure to avoid overuse in mundane situations. Alternatives like "in ecstasy" or "delighted" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. By understanding its proper usage and potential substitutes, writers can effectively use "in raptures" to add vividness and emotional depth to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in ecstasy

Suggests an even more intense and overwhelming feeling of joy than "in raptures".

in bliss

Implies a state of perfect happiness and contentment.

elated

Suggests a feeling of great happiness and triumph.

overjoyed

A simpler and more direct way to express great happiness.

enchanted

Implies a feeling of being captivated and delighted, often by something magical or beautiful.

thrilled

Emphasizes excitement and a sense of exhilaration.

delighted

Indicates pleasure and satisfaction, but may not be as intense as "in raptures".

on cloud nine

An idiomatic expression for extreme happiness.

walking on air

Another idiomatic expression conveying a feeling of lightness and joy.

carried away

Suggests being overwhelmed by positive emotions.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "in raptures" in a sentence?

Use "in raptures" to describe a state of extreme joy or delight, often experienced in response to something beautiful, impressive, or exciting. For instance, "The fans were in raptures after their team won the championship."

What are some alternatives to saying "in raptures"?

You can use alternatives like "in ecstasy", "overjoyed", or "delighted" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "in raptures" can be used in formal writing, it's important to consider the tone and context. It's best suited for situations where you want to convey a strong sense of positive emotion, but be mindful of potentially sounding overly dramatic.

What is the difference between "in raptures" and "happy"?

"Happy" is a general term for feeling pleased or content. "In raptures" describes a much more intense and overwhelming feeling of joy, closer to ecstasy. Use "in raptures" when the level of happiness is exceptionally high.