was intrigued by

USAGE SUMMARY

"was intrigued by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe feeling curious about or drawn to something. For example: "John was intrigued by the idea of owning a pet python."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Elizabeth was intrigued by Mr. Bingley.

The New Yorker

"I was intrigued by her," he said.

The New York Times

"Clearly he was intrigued by the connection".

Independent

I was intrigued by his voice.

The New York Times

I was intrigued by him.

The Guardian - Music

I was intrigued by it".

The New York Times

"I was intrigued by fashion.

The New York Times

He was intrigued by all the arts.

The Guardian - Arts

He was intrigued by Knox-Hooke's story.

The Guardian - Film

Ken was intrigued by his training methods.

The Guardian

Wagner was intrigued by the possibility.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "was intrigued by" with a clear explanation of what specifically piqued the interest to provide context and make your writing more engaging.

Common error

While "was intrigued by" is a useful phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "was fascinated by", "was curious about", or "found interest in" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was intrigued by" functions as a linking verb connecting the subject to an adjective phrase that describes a state of interest or curiosity. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in expressing someone's initial reaction or captivation by something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was intrigued by" is a versatile phrase used to express a feeling of mild fascination or curiosity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, suggesting its suitability for conveying interest in various subjects. To avoid repetition, consider using synonyms like "was fascinated by" or "was curious about". By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively use this phrase to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was fascinated by

Indicates a deeper level of captivation than simply being intrigued.

was captivated by

Suggests a strong attraction and interest.

found interest in

A more general expression of finding something interesting.

was curious about

Focuses on the desire to know more about something.

was drawn to

Emphasizes the attractive or compelling nature of something.

took an interest in

Suggests a deliberate choice to become interested.

was impressed by

Highlights admiration and positive regard in addition to intrigue.

was allured by

Suggests a subtle but irresistible attraction.

had a liking for

A milder expression of interest or fondness.

felt curiosity toward

Emphasizes the feeling of wanting to explore or learn more.

FAQs

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

You can use "was intrigued by" to describe feeling interested or curious about something. For example, "She was intrigued by the mysterious stranger" or "He was intrigued by the complex problem."

What's the difference between "was intrigued by" and "was interested in"?

"Was intrigued by" often implies a sense of novelty or mystery that sparks curiosity, while "was interested in" is a more general expression of having an interest in something. Intrigued suggests a slightly more active or engaged form of curiosity.

What can I say instead of "was intrigued by"?

You can use alternatives like "was fascinated by", "was captivated by", or "was curious about" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am intrigued by" or "I was intrigued by"?

Both are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "I am intrigued by" indicates a current feeling, while "I was intrigued by" refers to a feeling in the past.