it was gripping

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was gripping" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something, such as a book, movie, or event, that is very interesting and holds your attention. Example: "The novel was so well-written that it was gripping from the first page to the last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

My god it was gripping in that clearing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was gripping fare that had 43,000 supporters rapt.

The Guardian - Sport

It was gripping stuff in a frenzied, fast-forward first 20 minutes.

The Guardian - Sport

It wasn't, as he said, "great tennis", but it was gripping theatre.

The Guardian - Sport

Because I remember when it was gripping Jamaica, especially in the 80s.

The Guardian - Books

It was gripping and banal, charged and tedious all at the same time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

If it was gripped, it would be solved".

The Guardian - Opinion

Also during the 1990's, he clashed bitterly with Haiti, as it was gripped by political turmoil.

The New York Times

Dutch Flowers The Dutch Republic in the 17th century took flowers seriously – so seriously it was gripped by tulip-mania.

The Guardian - Arts

When the sample preparation was completed, it was gripped by membrane after placing the filter paper and porous stone both sides, top and bottom.

International Journal of Geo-Engineering

It's not 2005, but it's gripping in its own stumbling way.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was gripping" to describe experiences, stories, or performances that intensely hold the audience's or reader's attention, conveying a sense of excitement and anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "it was gripping" for situations that are only mildly interesting. Reserve this phrase for truly captivating moments to maintain its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was gripping" functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing a subject (e.g. a movie, book, or event) as intensely interesting and capable of holding one's attention. As stated in Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Opinion

20%

TV & Radio

10%

Less common in

Books

5%

Travel

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was gripping" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe something intensely interesting and captivating, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Opinion, and TV & Radio contexts. While it can be used in both formal and informal settings, be mindful of the context and reserve it for truly engaging experiences. Consider alternatives like "it was captivating" or "it was enthralling" for more formal settings or to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was captivating

Replaces "gripping" with a synonym that emphasizes the power to attract and hold interest.

it was enthralling

Uses a synonym of "gripping" that suggests a mesmerizing quality, holding someone spellbound.

it was compelling

Focuses on the irresistible nature of something that urges attention and interest.

it was riveting

Emphasizes the ability to hold one's attention firmly, like a rivet.

it was absorbing

Highlights the immersive quality, drawing someone in completely.

it was fascinating

Replaces "gripping" with a term that suggests a strong attraction and intrigue.

it was spellbinding

Conveys the idea of being under a magical or enchanting influence.

it was mesmerizing

Focuses on the hypnotic or captivating quality of something.

it was exciting

Shifts the focus to the thrilling and stimulating nature of the experience.

it held my attention

Expresses the direct impact on the observer, emphasizing sustained interest.

FAQs

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

Use "it was gripping" to describe something that intensely holds your attention. For example, "The movie was so suspenseful; it was gripping from start to finish."

What are some alternatives to "it was gripping"?

You can use alternatives like "it was captivating", "it was enthralling", or "it was compelling" to describe something that holds your attention.

What does "it was gripping" mean?

The phrase "it was gripping" means that something was extremely interesting and held your attention tightly, creating a sense of excitement or suspense.

Is "it was gripping" formal or informal?

"It was gripping" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "it was compelling" or "it was riveting".