intensely gripping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intensely gripping" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very engaging or captivating, often in the context of a story, movie, or experience that holds the audience's attention. Example: "The novel was so intensely gripping that I couldn't put it down until I finished it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Intensely gripping, artistically inspired and exhilarating, DBCS is an exceptional and brilliant work.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a peculiar but intensely gripping amalgam of jingoism, intercontinental rivalry, psychological warfare, and made-for-television entertainment.

The New Yorker

As with her first novel, The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August, North utilises a bizarre conceit to explore questions of identity, gender and emotional disaffection in a novel that is by turns poignant and intensely gripping.

The Guardian - Books

Golf is often labelled as staid and stodgy, but Cassidy writes that the Ryder Cup always provides unique drama: "It is a peculiar but intensely gripping amalgam of jingoism, intercontinental rivalry, psychological warfare, and made-for-television entertainment".

The New Yorker

The series – a co-production with the BBC, where it premiered to acclaim and 6 million viewers last year – is directed by Glendyn Ivin, who helmed the best Australian television production of 2018: SBS's intensely gripping and morally complex asylum seeker drama Safe Harbour.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A short, fast-paced, intensely gripping novel, set over the course of a few days in November 1936, it was written during "the year in which Italy invaded Abyssinia, civil war broke out in Spain and Hitler ordered the German army to reoccupy the Rhineland," as Ambler says in Here Lies.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Intensely Dramatic Screenplay With Gripping "Heart Interest". Advertising Angles: Make appeal to Miss Frederick's following.

Stanford University

The journalism is gripping and the writing is intensely funny.

The Guardian - Books

While this is intensely irritating, I have built up my arm and jaw muscles by gripping the steering wheel and clenching my teeth.

Huffington Post

Very gripping.

The New Yorker

Utterly gripping.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intensely gripping" to describe narratives, performances, or situations that strongly hold the audience's or participant's attention from beginning to end. It is particularly effective when you want to convey a sense of excitement and suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "intensely gripping" to describe mundane or everyday experiences. This phrase carries a strong connotation of high drama and significance, and using it inappropriately can weaken its impact and sound hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intensely gripping" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (e.g., film, novel, drama) to indicate a heightened state of captivation or engagement. Ludwig examples highlight this function in describing art and entertainment.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intensely gripping" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to convey a high degree of captivation and suspense. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, describing narratives, films, and performances. While grammatically correct, avoid overusing the phrase in casual situations to maintain its impact. Consider alternatives like "utterly captivating" or "deeply engrossing" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incredibly gripping

Uses "incredibly" to amplify the gripping quality.

utterly captivating

Emphasizes the complete and absolute nature of the captivation.

deeply engrossing

Highlights the profound level of absorption and engagement.

profoundly captivating

Emphasizes the depth and significance of the captivating experience.

highly absorbing

Focuses on the ability to draw attention and hold interest effectively.

exceptionally riveting

Stresses the extraordinary ability to hold one's attention firmly.

remarkably enthralling

Highlights the unusual and noteworthy nature of the enthralling quality.

completely enthralling

Emphasizes the total and magical quality of holding someone's attention.

extremely compelling

Highlights the irresistible and persuasive nature of the subject.

intensely fascinating

Focuses on the high degree of interest and intrigue.

FAQs

How can I use "intensely gripping" in a sentence?

Use "intensely gripping" to describe something that captivates and holds your attention completely. For example: "The movie was "intensely gripping", I couldn't look away."

What are some synonyms for "intensely gripping"?

Alternatives to "intensely gripping" include "utterly captivating", "deeply engrossing", or "exceptionally riveting". These phrases all describe something that strongly holds your attention.

Is "intensely gripping" a formal or informal phrase?

"Intensely gripping" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in descriptive or narrative writing than in casual conversation.

What kind of stories or experiences can be described as "intensely gripping"?

You can describe various things as "intensely gripping", such as suspenseful thriller movies, mystery novels, or even a real-life event with high stakes. The phrase is best applied when the subject matter evokes strong feelings of anticipation and suspense.