intense fascination

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intense fascination" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a strong and deep interest in a particular subject or activity. Example: "Her intense fascination with astronomy led her to pursue a career as an astrophysicist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Paganini's strings were the subject of intense fascination.

The New York Times - Arts

The Mayweather-Pacquiao fight has been the subject of intense fascination that transcended boxing.

The Guardian - Sport

Our baby gets breast milk - a subject of intense fascination for her two older brothers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I would think it takes an intense fascination to get through all the dreck that you have consumed.

The New Yorker

At 18, buoyed by an intense fascination with perception and optics, he talked himself into a job with a billboard company and became something of an advertising wunderkind.

The New York Times - Arts

Steven Berkoff In characteristic style Peter Ackroyd pulls back the veil and lets us peer within, examining London with intense fascination in London: The Biography (Chatto & Windus).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

The other defining feature of autism, for Kanner, was "an obsessive insistence on sameness": most simply in the form of repetitive, stereotyped movements and noises ("stereotypies"); then in the adoption of elaborate rituals and routines; finally, in the appearance of strange, narrow preoccupations — highly focussed, intense fascinations and fixations.

The New Yorker

The other defining feature of autism, for Kanner, was "an obsessive insistence on sameness": most simply in the form of repetitive, stereotyped movements and noises ("stereotypies"); then in the adoption of elaborate rituals and routines; finally, in the appearance of strange, narrow preoccupations highly focussed, intense fascinations and fixations.

The New Yorker

With Into the Inferno, Werner Herzog returns to the subject of active volcanoes, for which he has long had an intense, horrified fascination.

The Guardian - Film

In the middle of the gym, with everyone's eyes on her, she didn't look vulnerable or troubled or like someone who would be the subject of intense media fascination.

The New York Times - Magazine

The publicity surrounding the book makes clear that Mrs. Clinton remains a subject of intense public fascination, even now, two and a half years after she left the White House.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "intense fascination" with specific subjects or activities to clearly illustrate the focus of the interest.

Common error

Avoid using "intense fascination" in contexts that require a more neutral or objective tone; opt for phrases like "strong interest" or "keen focus" to maintain objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intense fascination" typically functions as a noun phrase, where "intense" modifies the noun "fascination", creating a description of a particular subject or experience. Ludwig provides numerous examples of how the phrase is used in context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Arts

16%

Books

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Lifestyle

3%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intense fascination" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a strong and absorbing interest. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It functions primarily as a noun phrase expressing captivation or deep engagement, suitable for neutral registers, particularly in news, media, arts, and books. When writing, ensure the strong emotional implication of "intense fascination" aligns with the intended context, avoiding overuse in objective scenarios. Alternatives such as "deep interest" or "strong interest" may be more appropriate in neutral contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deep interest

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the interest, rather than the excitement or captivation.

strong interest

Highlights the strength of the interest, lacking the nuance of captivation.

profound curiosity

Focuses on a deep and inquisitive nature, differing from the more emotional aspect of fascination.

consuming passion

Implies a more active and emotional engagement, stronger than mere interest.

burning interest

Suggests a very high level of interest, and enthusiasm

abiding interest

Highlights long lasting nature of interest.

keen interest

It is a similar phrase that shows a strong enthusiasm.

obsessive interest

Implies an unhealthy or extreme level of focus, stronger than typical fascination.

great enthusiasm

Focuses on the excitement and zeal associated with the interest.

captivated interest

Underlines how attention and interest are caught and held

FAQs

How can I use "intense fascination" in a sentence?

You can use "intense fascination" to describe a powerful and absorbing interest in a subject. For example: "Her intense fascination with astronomy led her to pursue a career as an astrophysicist."

What are some alternatives to "intense fascination"?

Alternatives to "intense fascination" include "deep interest", "strong interest", or "profound curiosity", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intense fascination" formal or informal?

"Intense fascination" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but be mindful of the tone. In more objective or neutral settings, consider using alternatives such as "keen interest" or "strong interest".

What distinguishes "intense fascination" from "strong interest"?

"Intense fascination" implies a more emotional and captivating engagement, while "strong interest" simply denotes a high level of interest without necessarily involving captivation or emotional investment.