was hooked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was hooked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong interest or addiction to something, often in a context where someone becomes captivated or engrossed in an activity or subject. Example: "After watching the first episode, I was hooked on the series and binge-watched the entire season in one weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The doctor was hooked.

The New York Times

"I was hooked," he recalled.

The Economist

Django was hooked, and transformed.

The New Yorker

"I was hooked," he said.

The New York Times

"I was hooked," he remembers.

The Guardian - Sport

This (bearded) reviewer was hooked!

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

O.K., I'm hooked.

The New Yorker

I'm hooked.

The New York Times

You'll be hooked!

Independent

It's hooked him.

The New York Times

I'm hooked again.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was hooked" to describe an immediate and strong interest or addiction to something. Ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject became "hooked" on, providing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "was hooked" when a milder level of interest is more appropriate. The phrase suggests a strong, often immediate, captivation, and using it for slight interests can be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was hooked" functions as a predicative adjective, describing the state of being captivated or addicted to something. Ludwig's examples show it is used to express strong engagement following an initial experience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was hooked" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a state of strong interest, captivation, or addiction. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear about what the subject is "hooked" on, and consider alternatives like "became addicted" or "became captivated" to tailor the intensity to the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was addicted

A direct synonym focusing on the state of addiction, which can be physical or psychological.

became addicted

This alternative describes the process of developing an addiction, whether physical or emotional, similar to being "hooked".

became captivated

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being charmed and fascinated, often leading to a strong interest or liking.

became enthralled

Similar to captivated, this indicates a state of being completely absorbed and fascinated by something.

was fascinated

This highlights the element of intrigue and deep interest.

became obsessed

This suggests a more intense and potentially unhealthy level of interest and focus.

was drawn in

This implies a gradual attraction, leading to complete involvement.

was taken by

Suggests being charmed or impressed by something at first sight.

developed a passion for

Indicates a strong liking and dedication towards something new.

fell for

An informal way of saying someone quickly developed feelings for something.

FAQs

How can I use "was hooked" in a sentence?

Use "was hooked" to describe a state of strong interest or addiction. For example, "After reading the first chapter, I "was hooked" on the book." It clearly shows you enjoyed it from the very start.

What's the difference between "was hooked" and "was interested"?

"Was hooked" indicates a deeper level of captivation or addiction than "was interested". "Was interested" implies a mild curiosity, while "was hooked" suggests a strong engagement or dependency.

What can I say instead of "was hooked"?

You can use alternatives like "became addicted", "became captivated", or "became obsessed" depending on the context.

Is "was hooked on" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was hooked on" is grammatically correct. The preposition "on" is often used to specify what the subject is "hooked" on, such as "He was hooked on the new TV series".