this is engaging

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is engaging" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that captures attention or interest, such as a book, presentation, or conversation. Example: "The speaker's presentation was so captivating that I found myself thinking, this is engaging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This is engaging at the beginning, but the novelty soon wears off.

Independent

This is engaging, urban, 21st-century music that has seen the band dubbed "the future of jazz".

The Guardian - Music

Nevertheless, much of the excitement of short fiction springs from a shared sense, by writers and the first readers, that this is engaging not just with a recent situation but an evolving one.

The Guardian - Books

This is engaging eye candy that makes the grandeur of space come alive, and if you can see that for yourself on a big screen, all the better.

Huffington Post

As the level of development increased, trading fish was less likely to be combined with any other occupations – this is engaging in specialization.

Plosone

Much of this is engaging and wonderful, like taking a walking tour of the park with a voluble and well-informed guide, but we begin to realize, over time, that Mimi's knowledge and insight are extraordinarily narrow.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both systems can employ a ring-artifact-reduction utility during reconstruction, and this was engaged for all the images presented here.

BMC Physiology

When Gilder focuses on the engineers who have delivered this "promethean light" he is engaging.

The New York Times - Books

"This president has engaged and is engaging in crony capitalism," Mr. Romney said.

The New York Times

I thought: "Even though it's barely breakfast time, this man is engaged in perilous negotiation.

The Guardian - Opinion

"This union is engaged in a civil war," said Bruce Raynor, president of Unite Here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is engaging", ensure that the context clearly identifies what 'this' refers to. Be specific to avoid ambiguity and maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using "this is engaging" as a generic statement. Always provide context to what you are referring to. For example, instead of saying "this is engaging", say "this book is engaging" or "this presentation is engaging".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is engaging" functions as a subject complement, where "this" acts as the subject and "is engaging" serves as a linking verb followed by an adjective that describes the subject. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is engaging" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that something is interesting, captivating, or holds one's attention. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While versatile, it's beneficial to provide specific context for what "this" refers to, avoiding overuse in generic situations. Alternatives like "this is captivating" or "this is compelling" can offer subtle nuances depending on the intended meaning. Its usage is commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is captivating

Replaces 'engaging' with 'captivating', emphasizing the power to hold attention.

this is compelling

Substitutes 'engaging' with 'compelling', highlighting the irresistible nature of something.

this is absorbing

Replaces 'engaging' with 'absorbing', emphasizing the immersive quality.

this is interesting

Uses 'interesting' as a more general term for something that holds one's attention.

this is gripping

Uses 'gripping' to suggest that something holds your attention completely.

this is fascinating

Uses 'fascinating' to suggest something that is extremely interesting or attractive.

this is intriguing

Replaces 'engaging' with 'intriguing', suggesting a mysterious or curious quality.

this is enthralling

Substitutes 'engaging' with 'enthralling', meaning captivating intensely.

this is stimulating

Substitutes 'engaging' with 'stimulating', highlighting the action of arousing interest.

this is thought-provoking

Replaces 'engaging' with 'thought-provoking', emphasizing that something incites critical thinking.

FAQs

How can I use "this is engaging" in a sentence?

You can use "this is engaging" to describe something that captures your attention and holds your interest, such as "This lecture is engaging, and I'm learning a lot". Alternatively, you can use phrases like "this is captivating" or "this is interesting".

What are some alternatives to "this is engaging"?

Some alternatives include "this is compelling", "this is absorbing", and "this is fascinating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "this is engaging" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "this is engaging" can sometimes be perceived as informal. In formal contexts, consider using more sophisticated alternatives such as "this is compelling" or "this is absorbing" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "this is engaging" and "this is interesting"?

While both phrases suggest something holds your attention, "this is engaging" implies a more active involvement or interaction. "This is interesting" is a more general statement, while "this is engaging" suggests that something actively involves or captivates the audience.