we were fascinated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were fascinated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a strong interest or intrigue about a particular subject or experience in both formal and informal contexts. Example: "During our visit to the museum, we were fascinated by the ancient artifacts on display."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

We were fascinated by Ilgauskas.

The New Yorker

"We were fascinated by Hollywood, Ms. Poncee said.

The New York Times - Books

We were fascinated by them even before we knew what they were exactly.

The New Yorker

We were fascinated by her, but we were scared to death of her, too...

The New Yorker

We were fascinated by her, but we were scared to death of her, too..

The New Yorker

"We were fascinated by the way in which the literal words of this text dominated the entire situation," Tabor writes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Just as when we smile, we feel happy, so too when we behave like we're fascinated by a name, we become a little fascinated by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

B: We're fascinated by charisma.

The Guardian

We're fascinated by the artists we call outsiders.

The New Yorker

There are exceptions, and we're fascinated by them.

The New Yorker

We are fascinated by the underbelly of society".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we were fascinated by", ensure the object of fascination is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Ambiguity can dilute the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we were fascinated by" as a generic filler. Instead, provide specific details about what aspects were captivating. For example, instead of saying "We were fascinated by the presentation", specify, "We were fascinated by the speaker's innovative approach and data-driven insights."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were fascinated by" functions as a declarative statement expressing a group's strong interest or captivation. It highlights a past experience where the subject felt a deep sense of intrigue, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were fascinated by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to convey a strong sense of interest or captivation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for a variety of contexts, including news, media, and scientific discussions. The phrase is commonly used across diverse authoritative sources, making it a versatile and effective choice for expressing personal or group reactions. When using this phrase, ensure that the object of fascination is clear to enhance its impact and avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were captivated by

Replaces "fascinated" with "captivated", suggesting a strong feeling of being attracted and held by something.

we were intrigued by

Uses "intrigued" instead of "fascinated", implying a sense of curiosity and interest.

we found it fascinating

Changes the sentence structure while keeping the core meaning; emphasizes the object's inherent quality.

we were enthralled by

Substitutes "fascinated" with "enthralled", which indicates a deeper level of captivation and enchantment.

we were charmed by

Replaces "fascinated" with "charmed", indicating a delightful and pleasant captivation.

it fascinated us

Reorders the sentence to emphasize what caused the fascination rather than the feeling itself.

we were absorbed by

Uses "absorbed" to convey a sense of being completely engrossed and immersed in something.

we were taken by

A more concise and slightly less intense way of saying "we were fascinated".

we developed a fascination for

Indicates the beginning of a longer-term interest or captivation.

we were deeply interested in

Emphasizes the level of interest, suitable when conveying a more profound sense of captivation.

FAQs

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

Use "we were fascinated by" to describe a strong feeling of interest or captivation experienced by a group. For instance, "we were fascinated by the intricate details of the ancient artifact".

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

You can use alternatives like "we were captivated by", "we were intrigued by", or "we found it fascinating" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are fascinated by" instead of "we were fascinated by"?

Both are correct, but "we are fascinated by" describes a current or ongoing feeling, while "we were fascinated by" describes a past experience. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timeline of the experience.

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

"we were fascinated by" implies a stronger, more intense level of captivation and intrigue than "we were interested in". Fascination suggests a sense of wonder and deep engagement, while interest is a more general feeling.