to be captivated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be captivated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong interest or attraction to something, such as a story, person, or experience. Example: "She was captivated by the beauty of the sunset, unable to look away as the colors danced across the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This means people who listen to podcasts are not only a captive audience, but they're an audience that wants to be captivated.

Forbes

Audiences are likely to be captivated by the lavish photography.

The New York Times

We're meant to be captivated by this inspired and inventive malapropist.

The New York Times

One is sure to be captivated by this meticulously enhanced wine, a true sparkling diamond.

The New Yorker

I'm certainly not the first shopper to be captivated by cameos.

The New York Times

But you don't want to be captivated by it so much that you start to rely on it.

The New York Times - Sports

But voters appeared to be captivated by Ms. Granholm's record on crime and her savvy, personal campaign style.

The New York Times

My preference for these shows over "hyperlink" shows suggests that I, along with a large segment of the American viewing public, again want to be captivated by melodrama.

The New York Times

(She describes the crest of an ocean wave as being like a "white afro"). We're meant to be captivated by this inspired and inventive malapropist.

The New York Times

"It's hard not to be captivated by Almond's slangy, salty voice and his winning, often openly discombobulated protagonists," Mark Kamine wrote here.

The New York Times

Most of Ms. Wilson's followers seem to be captivated by her aura, that mysterious ether that has as much to do with her presence as with her voice.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be captivated" when you want to convey a sense of wonder and deep interest. It is especially effective when describing an audience's reaction to art, performances, or natural beauty.

Common error

While "to be captivated" is widely understood, consider more formal alternatives like "engrossed" or "enthralled" in academic or professional contexts to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be captivated" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used as part of a verb phrase to describe a state of being deeply interested or charmed by something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be captivated" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase that expresses a state of deep interest or fascination. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, indicating its versatility. While suitable for many situations, it's important to consider the context and choose alternatives like "to be enthralled" or "to be fascinated" to maintain the desired tone, particularly in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be enchanted

Focuses more on a magical or whimsical quality that inspires delight, shifting away from pure captivation.

to be enthralled

Implies a more powerful, almost hypnotic state of fascination, intensifying the sense of captivation.

to be fascinated

Highlights intellectual curiosity and interest as the primary driver of the captivated state.

to be mesmerized

Suggests a state of being spellbound or transfixed, amplifying the visual or sensory aspect of captivation.

to be gripped

Emphasizes the intensity and compelling nature of the experience, often used in the context of narratives or performances.

to be spellbound

Similar to mesmerized, but can also apply to situations not involving visual stimuli; suggests a magical quality.

to be engrossed

Focuses on complete absorption and involvement in an activity or subject.

to be absorbed

Similar to engrossed, but indicates a less active state; more about passively receiving than actively participating.

to be riveted

Suggests a strong and unwavering focus, as if physically attached to the object of attention.

to be charmed

Indicates a gentle and pleasing captivation, often associated with politeness and grace.

FAQs

How can I use "to be captivated" in a sentence?

You can use "to be captivated" to describe being deeply engaged or fascinated by something. For example, "The audience appeared "to be captivated" by the film" or "I was "to be captivated" by her storytelling".

What can I say instead of "to be captivated"?

You can use alternatives like "to be enchanted", "to be enthralled", or "to be fascinated" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "to be captivated" and "to be fascinated"?

"To be captivated" implies a more emotional or sensory experience, while "to be fascinated" suggests a more intellectual or curious interest. You might be captivated by a beautiful sunset, but fascinated by a scientific discovery.

Is it correct to say "I am captivated by" or "I am captivating by"?

The correct phrase is "I am captivated by". "Captivating" is an adjective describing something that has the power to captivate others (e.g., "She gave a captivating performance"), whereas "captivated" is the past participle form, used to express the state of being captivated.