lure the reader

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lure the reader" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing techniques in writing that aim to attract or engage the audience's attention. Example: "The author skillfully uses vivid imagery to lure the reader into the story's enchanting world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Which is to lure the reader into collaborating with him in imagining a future like no other.

The New York Times - Books

For the novelist's art is a cunning ability to lure the reader into treating counterfeit bills as if they were current.

The New York Times - Books

Full of often self-fulfilling anxieties, they lure the reader in with a seeming naivety, only to spring sophisticated or heart-rending surprises.

The Guardian - Books

Whatever the dysfunction, Tate, the long-acclaimed poet, uses a disarmingly pedestrian voice to lure the reader to a place of bizarre poignancy.

The New Yorker

Mr McCarthy argues that it signifies that Haddock's ancestor Sir Francis was a royal bastard.Such detours into reasonableness serve only to lure the reader into the realms of lunacy: the Castafiore Emerald, the author argues with sweeping confidence, is not just the oft-misplaced bauble belonging to a forceful but absent-minded opera singer: it is her clitoris.

The Economist

A Journal of the Plague Year (1722) displays enticing powers of self-projection into a situation of which Defoe can only have had experience through the narrations of others, and both Moll Flanders (1722) and Roxana (1724) lure the reader into puzzling relationships with narrators the degree of whose own self-awareness is repeatedly and provocatively placed in doubt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Selecky's writing, so unfussy and fresh, lures the reader in over and over again.

The New York Times - Books

"The Undertaker's Daughter", her memoir, lures the reader in with a behind-the-scenes view of man's final act.

The Economist

She lures the reader in with two stories then brings them together in a stunning climax that questions the divide between reality and fiction.

The Guardian - Books

His sentences soar like laminated boomerangs, luring the reader's eye until they swoop in and dart across the mind like bright-eyed hummingbirds, for a clean strike every time".

The New York Times - Books

Almost no other character is fully alive, and his cool, dislocated perspective lures the reader in, convincing us that what objectively might be heinous makes perfect sense inside Ripley's head.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use strong verbs and vivid imagery in your writing to "lure the reader" into the story or argument from the very first sentence.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on shock value or clickbait tactics to "lure the reader". Focus on substance and genuine interest to maintain their engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lure the reader" primarily functions as a verb phrase with a direct object. It describes the action of enticing or attracting a reader's attention and interest. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lure the reader" is a grammatically sound and usable expression employed to depict the act of attracting a reader's interest and attention. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, although it's important to avoid overusing sensationalism. Semantically related phrases include ""engage the reader"" and ""draw the reader in"". Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia contexts, "lure the reader" holds a neutral register and serves to describe strategic efforts in writing to captivate an audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

draw the reader in

Emphasizes the act of pulling the reader into the narrative or subject matter.

engage the reader

Highlights active participation and interest from the reader.

hook the reader

Implies a quick and effective method of grabbing the reader's attention from the start.

captivate the audience

Focuses on holding the audience's attention, suggesting a broader appeal beyond just reading.

entice the audience

Suggests a more subtle and persuasive method of attracting attention.

tempt the reader

Suggests a more irresistible and alluring method of attracting attention.

pique the reader's interest

Focuses on stimulating curiosity and making the reader want to learn more.

attract the reader's attention

A more general phrase that simply refers to gaining the reader's notice.

invite the reader

Suggests a welcoming and inclusive approach to drawing the reader in.

win over the reader

Emphasizes persuasion and convincing the reader to accept a viewpoint.

FAQs

How can I "lure the reader" into my writing?

Start with a compelling hook, use vivid language, and create a sense of mystery or intrigue that encourages them to keep reading.

What is a good alternative to "lure the reader"?

Alternatives include "engage the reader", "draw the reader in", or "captivate the audience", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "lure the reader" in formal writing?

Yes, it is acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing writing techniques or strategies. However, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and context of your piece.

What's the difference between "lure the reader" and "persuade the reader"?

"Lure the reader" implies attracting them to read and engage with your content, while "persuade the reader" involves convincing them to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.