we were captivated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were captivated by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong interest or fascination with something or someone. Example: "During the presentation, we were captivated by the speaker's passion for environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But we were captivated by the auction.

The New York Times

And we were captivated by what it had to offer.

The New York Times - Travel

We were captivated by the book, which is quite unusual.

The New Yorker

Most everyone speaks flawless English and we were captivated by their wonderful manners and congeniality.

The New York Times

We dodged porters and forklifts, heading for a makeshift viewing area of pallets in the middle of the auction, where we were captivated by the rows of huge tuna, all auctioned within seconds.

The Guardian - Travel

In that hour, we were captivated by Mattias Hägglund, the bartender, with his hand-labeled bottles of liqueurs, tonics and bitters, his reference books and his passion for his craft.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

We are captivated by something that may appear fleetingly, if at all, but doesn't last.

The Guardian - Arts

"Quite often we're captivated by a material," she added, like polished horn or volcanic glass.

The New York Times

In a shrinking world, we are captivated by those things that stay out of touch.

The Guardian - Opinion

With regularity, we are captivated by stories in which apparently virile men are undone by their irrepressible manliness.

The New Yorker

Instead we are captivated by a show that's held together by the Experience – part 1950s airline hostess, part high class burlesque act.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were captivated by" to express a strong positive reaction to something that has deeply impressed or fascinated you. It's suitable for describing experiences, performances, or ideas.

Common error

While "we were captivated by" is versatile, consider using more formal alternatives like "we were impressed by" or "we found compelling" in academic or professional writing to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were captivated by" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of strong interest or fascination. Ludwig confirms this usage. Examples show it used to describe reactions to events, people, or objects.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were captivated by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express a strong feeling of fascination or interest. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is particularly common in News & Media contexts. While versatile, it is important to consider the formality of the situation and choose alternative phrases like "we were enthralled by" or "we found compelling" for more formal settings. Avoiding overuse and understanding the nuances of similar phrases will enhance the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were enthralled by

Implies a deeper level of captivation, suggesting a trance-like state.

we were mesmerized by

Suggests a hypnotic effect that held attention.

we were spellbound by

Emphasizes the magical or mesmerizing quality of what captivated.

we were fascinated by

Focuses on intellectual curiosity and interest, rather than emotional captivation.

we were engrossed in

Similar to 'absorbed', but with a stronger sense of mental engagement.

we were intrigued by

Suggests a sense of mystery or curiosity that draws attention.

we were under the spell of

Highlights the powerful and enchanting influence of something.

we were charmed by

Implies a pleasant and delightful experience that captivated.

we were absorbed in

Highlights the complete immersion and focus on something.

we found ourselves drawn to

Indicates an irresistible pull or attraction.

FAQs

How can I use "we were captivated by" in a sentence?

Use "we were captivated by" to describe a strong feeling of being fascinated or charmed by something. For example, "We were captivated by the speaker's passionate delivery".

What can I say instead of "we were captivated by"?

You can use alternatives like "we were enthralled by", "we were fascinated by", or "we were intrigued by" depending on the context.

Is "we were captivated by" formal or informal?

"We were captivated by" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. While appropriate in many contexts, you might choose a more formal alternative like "we found compelling" in academic writing or a business report.

What's the difference between "we were captivated by" and "we were interested in"?

"We were captivated by" suggests a stronger emotional engagement and fascination than "we were interested in", which simply implies attention or curiosity.