keep captivated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep captivated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the act of maintaining someone's interest or attention over a period of time. Example: "The magician's performance was so mesmerizing that it kept the audience captivated from start to finish."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Speaking at the launch of a Game of Thrones exhibition at London's O2 arena, the 26-year-old British actor said the team had worked hard to keep fans captivated.

Independent

It was enough for something to move on a screen to keep audiences captivated in those days, and it is enough today for Imax just to cast its high-definition gaze on a perfectly ordinary scene to transform it into spectacle.

The New York Times

As the crowd launched into an enthusiastic if far from classical rendition of the national anthem, Pietersen pulled Kallis dismissively to the boundary and whipped a straight drive down the ground to keep them captivated.

BBC

And like the best tales his tracks are rich in texture, filled with details, and keep you captivated to the end.

Vice

And he kept it captivated with a series of press conferences that projected a mixture of defiance and determination.

The Economist

It is never boring and kept me captivated throughout the more than 40 hours I spent traipsing around the Milky Way and progressing through the main campaign.

The New York Times - Arts

Christina has kept us captivated for the last few hours with stories of Florence, new and old.

Huffington Post

All the while, the Bergdahl show keeps us captivated as we lose interest in all but our work, our day-to-day, and the many drama's we cannot control.

Huffington Post

At times letting the reels run and asking for the high energy music to be blasted out the speakers, at other times asking to lower the sound so he could talk over the films, Adria kept us captivated.

Huffington Post

It was his understated, sensual video of worn Classics that originally made me blow my load, but there's something about this particular video that's really kept me captivated and sweaty-palmed for the last 45 minutes, or so.

Vice

From the sweltering heat of the mega-dunes to the icy cold nights in the valley of the Kaluts (sandcastle-like rock formations), from the salt plains cracked by the fierce sun, to the sand storms blasting through the meteorite craters, the desert kept us captivated by its raw beauty and versatility.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep captivated" when you want to convey the idea of continuously holding someone's attention or interest, often through engaging or fascinating content.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is passively "kept captivated". Instead, focus on who or what is actively doing the captivating. For instance, instead of "The audience was kept captivated by the speaker", try "The speaker kept the audience captivated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep captivated" functions as a verb phrase followed by an adjective, where 'keep' acts as a linking verb. It describes the act of maintaining someone or something in a state of captivation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep captivated" is a versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of maintaining someone's interest or attention. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase appears frequently across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and general writing. While neutral in register, it's essential to actively construct sentences that highlight who or what is doing the captivating. Consider alternatives like "hold someone's attention" or "maintain interest" to add nuance or formality to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold someone's attention

Emphasizes maintaining focus.

maintain interest

Focuses on preserving interest over time.

hold spellbound

Suggests a magical or enchanting quality.

sustain fascination

Highlights the ongoing nature of captivation.

retain engagement

Focuses on active participation and involvement.

keep enthralled

Implies a deep and absorbing captivation.

preserve interest

Emphasizes the effort to keep something interesting.

hold in thrall

Suggests a powerful and dominating captivation.

maintain absorption

Highlights complete immersion and focus.

keep under a spell

Implies a magical influence maintaining captivation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "keep captivated" in a sentence?

To effectively use "keep captivated", ensure that the subject actively maintains the audience's interest. For example, "The storyteller's vivid descriptions "kept the audience captivated" throughout the performance."

What are some alternatives to "keep captivated"?

You can use alternatives such as "hold someone's attention", "maintain interest", or "hold spellbound" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "kept captivated" or "captivated" alone?

The choice depends on the context. "Captivated" describes a state of being, while "kept captivated" implies a continuous action of maintaining that state. For example, "She was captivated by the novel" versus "The author kept her captivated with plot twists."

Can "keep captivated" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While generally suitable for most contexts, "keep captivated" might sound slightly less formal. In very formal settings, consider alternatives like "retain engagement" or "maintain absorption" for a more professional tone.