Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
that's captivating
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(20)
The New York Times
that's interesting
that's fascinating
according to authority
The Guardian
research suggests
according to reports
reportedly
it required
it will take time
at the margins of the talks
according to sources
it will require patience
in connection with the gathering
findings reveal
on the sidelines of the meeting
according to publication
according to contents
it will take
according to reporting
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
The question becomes then, how do you take what is essentially a one-man show with James Franco as Ralston and make into a 93 minute film that's captivating and interesting - especially when we all know how it's going to end?
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
The "B" in the Dutch Caribbean's ABC islands, Bonaire has been a destination that's captivated divers for decades.
News & Media
The marble racing craze that's captivated the internet Jump to media player Millions of people are watching marbles race through intricate custom made tracks online.
News & Media
It was, though, the start of a movement that's captivated young Brits ever since.
News & Media
Officials' inability to lock shit down has been one of the subplots of a story that's captivated the nation by being alternately terrifying and salacious.
News & Media
It's a great opportunity to discuss a matter that's captivated media attention since White House officials disseminated their budget outline.
News & Media
It's not something to rush through, but it is your chance to put your stamp on the field that's captivated you.
Wiki
But it's Minnie's story that is captivating, made even better by a naked performance, literally and figuratively, by Powley.
News & Media
"No one really took much notice of her until she got in front of the camera," said Steve Shaw, the magazine's founder, who said that "she had something that was captivating".
News & Media
I cannot thank you enough for bringing these issues to the public's consciousness and doing so in a manner that is captivating, entertaining and educational.
News & Media
The movie double-takes and hallucinates about itself, in ways that are captivating, exasperating.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
The contraction 'that's' makes the tone suitable for conversational reviews, blog posts, and modern journalism, but consider using the full form 'that is' for formal academic essays.
Common error
Do not confuse "that's captivating" (describing the object that holds interest) with "that's captivated" (describing a person who is currently under a spell). For example, a movie is captivating, but the audience is captivated.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "that's captivating" functions as a relative clause fragment consisting of the relative pronoun 'that', the contracted linking verb 'is', and the present participle used as an adjective 'captivating'. In Ludwig, it frequently acts as a post-modifier for nouns like 'story', 'film', or 'performance', providing immediate descriptive evaluation.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Wiki
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
8%
Academia
5%
Reference
2%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In conclusion, "that's captivating" is a versatile and punchy linguistic tool used to denote something that commands absolute attention. Ludwig AI examples show its prevalence in News & Media, particularly when critics or reporters describe artistic works or unique phenomena. While its contracted form makes it lean towards a Neutral or slightly informal register, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist confirms its status as a reliable choice for professional storytellers. Writers should be careful not to over-use it as a cliché and instead pair it with specific details that explain why something holds such a grip on the audience. Overall, it remains one of the most effective ways to characterize a truly engaging experience in modern English.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
which is mesmerizing
Uses a more formal relative pronoun and a stronger verb to suggest a hypnotic quality.
that's fascinating
A very common alternative that focuses on intense interest rather than emotional pull.
it's compelling
Suggests a force that demands attention or belief, often used for narratives.
that's enthralling
Indicates a deeper level of absorption, as if being held under a spell.
which is enchanting
Adds a nuance of charm, beauty, or magical appeal.
that's gripping
A more visceral and informal way to describe something that holds attention tightly.
it is arresting
Formal variant suggesting something so striking it stops you in your tracks.
that's alluring
Shifts the focus toward attractiveness and a sense of being tempted.
which is intriguing
Suggests a sense of mystery or curiosity rather than pure enchantment.
it is spellbinding
The most intense variant, implying a total capture of one's faculties.
FAQs
What can I say instead of "that's captivating"?
You can use alternatives like "that's mesmerizing", "it's fascinating", or "that's gripping" depending on the level of intensity you want to convey.
Is "that's captivating" too informal for professional writing?
While the contraction is common in news outlets like "The New York Times", for highly formal business reports or academic papers, it is safer to use the uncontracted form "that is captivating".
How do I use "that's captivating" in a sentence?
It usually functions as a relative clause at the end of a description, such as: "She told a story "that's captivating" and deeply moving".
What is the difference between "that's captivating" and "that's interesting"?
The phrase "that's interesting" suggests curiosity, whereas "that's captivating" implies a much stronger emotional or visual hold on the observer.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested