it was compelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was compelling" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was interesting, engaging, or persuasive, often in the context of a story, argument, or presentation. Example: "The documentary was so well-made that it was compelling, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

But it was compelling.

The New York Times - Sports

This was my first live experience of gymnastics, and much of it was compelling.

The Guardian - Sport

Some people said it was overdone, but there's no doubt it was compelling.

The Guardian - Film

Chicken satay was tender enough but slightly dry, and neither the peanut sauce nor the onion-cucumber salad served with it was compelling.

The New York Times

You can call it cheap theatre, but I'm not sure how you'd actually buy it; and as a closing argument, it was compelling.

The Guardian - Music

It was compelling.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

The majority for the Eleventh Circuit said it was compelled to reject the revised opinions.

The New York Times

In 388 it was compelled by Sparta to give up the Athenian alliance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That was a lie, of course, but it was compelled by the urgency of the situation.

The New Yorker

Under the caretaker government, it was compelled to remain silent on matters for which there is no bipartisan agreement.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was compelled to do so by the state Constitution, which requires the state to care for the indigent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was compelling" to describe something that not only grabbed attention, but also held it effectively. For instance, "The argument presented in the article was compelling, leading me to reconsider my stance."

Common error

Avoid using "it was compelling" for mundane or everyday events. Reserve it for situations where something genuinely captivated, intrigued, or persuaded you. For example, describing your breakfast as "compelling" would be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was compelling" functions as a subjective assessment. It expresses the speaker's perception of something being noteworthy. It follows standard English grammar rules and, according to Ludwig, is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was compelling" is a versatile expression used to describe something that captivates, intrigues, or persuades. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While adaptable, avoid overusing it for trivial subjects and choose synonyms like "it was captivating" or "it was riveting" for nuance. Remember that the phrase follows standard English grammar rules.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was captivating

Emphasizes the charm and fascination of something.

it was riveting

Suggests something was extremely exciting and captivating.

it was gripping

Highlights the intense and exciting nature of something.

it was fascinating

Stresses the intriguing and interesting qualities of something.

it held my attention

Focuses on the captivating aspect, suggesting something kept someone engaged.

it kept me hooked

Emphasizes the addictive and engaging nature of something.

it drew me in

Highlights the attractive and immersive quality of something.

it was persuasive

Focuses on the convincing and influential nature of something.

it was unputdownable

Highlights that something was so interesting that it could not be abandoned.

it sparked my interest

Focuses on the element of instigating curiosity.

FAQs

How can I use "it was compelling" in a sentence?

Use "it was compelling" to describe something that evoked interest or attention. For example, "The speaker's story was compelling and moved the audience to tears."

What's a good alternative to "it was compelling"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it was captivating", "it was riveting", or "it was persuasive".

Is "it was compelling" formal or informal?

"It was compelling" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the subject matter than the setting.

Can "it was compelling" be used to describe a person?

While less common, "it was compelling" can describe a person's behavior, argument, or performance. For instance, "Her performance was compelling, drawing the audience into her character's emotional turmoil."