was fascinated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was fascinated by" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "He was fascinated by the intricate details of the painting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

He was fascinated by technology.

The New Yorker

Emily was fascinated by her.

The New Yorker

"Jack was fascinated by that.

The New Yorker

"I was fascinated by footwear".

The New Yorker

I was fascinated by this.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was fascinated by everything I saw.

The Guardian - Film

"I was fascinated by him," she said.

The New York Times

Like Crick, Eagleman was fascinated by consciousness.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

He is fascinated by dolphins.

The New York Times

We were fascinated by Ilgauskas.

The New Yorker

I'm fascinated by them.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was fascinated by" to convey a strong sense of interest and captivation. It's particularly effective when describing someone's initial reaction to a subject or experience that sparked their curiosity.

Common error

While "was fascinated by" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "was intrigued by" or "demonstrated a keen interest in" for academic or professional contexts where a more subdued tone is appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was fascinated by" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's state of being captivated or intensely interested in something. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was fascinated by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a strong sense of interest and captivation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and general media. While perfectly acceptable in most situations, more formal alternatives might be preferred in scholarly writing. The phrase is considered neutral and easily understood, making it a valuable tool for expressing personal engagement and curiosity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was captivated by

Replaces "fascinated" with "captivated", emphasizing the enchanting or enthralling nature of the subject.

was enthralled by

Similar to captivated, but suggests a deeper level of absorption and wonder.

was intrigued by

Indicates curiosity and interest, but with a slightly more intellectual or analytical focus.

was engrossed in

Focuses on being completely absorbed and immersed in something, losing track of time or surroundings.

found it captivating

Shifts the emphasis to the subject's inherent ability to captivate.

was spellbound by

Suggests a magical or enchanting quality that holds one's attention completely.

was charmed by

Implies a pleasing or delightful quality that evokes affection and admiration.

was consumed by

Indicates an overwhelming level of interest that dominates one's thoughts and actions.

was under the spell of

Suggests a mysterious or irresistible influence exerted by the subject.

was extremely interested in

A more direct and straightforward way of expressing strong interest.

FAQs

How can I use "was fascinated by" in a sentence?

Use "was fascinated by" to describe someone's strong interest in a particular subject or experience. For example, "She was fascinated by the intricate details of the ancient artifact".

What are some alternatives to "was fascinated by"?

You can use alternatives like "was intrigued by", "was captivated by", or "was enthralled by" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was fascinated by" formal or informal?

"Was fascinated by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in a variety of contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider more subdued alternatives like "demonstrated an interest in" or "took a keen interest in".

What is the difference between "was fascinated by" and "was interested in"?

"Was fascinated by" suggests a stronger and more intense level of interest than "was interested in". Fascination implies a sense of wonder and captivation, while interest is a more general term.