were entranced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were entranced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being captivated or fascinated by something, often in a literary or poetic context. Example: "The audience were entranced by the magician's mesmerizing performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Others were entranced.

The New Yorker

The Texas women were entranced.

The New Yorker

"People were entranced by the Internet," he said.

The New York Times

They were entranced with our Polaroid pictures, and with the silver-covered almonds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Guests were entranced anew by his "easy, candid and gentle manners".

The New York Times

Investors and news outlets alike were entranced by Bitcoin's stratospheric rise, and direct investment in the crypto-asset surged.

Columbia University

They were entranced, especially when Murray came to the net to hit the winner.

The Guardian - Sport

Sensing the change the crowd were entranced and slowly, slowly, the applause grew in volume.

The Guardian - Sport

All were entranced by what one reviewer described as "a breathtaking triumph of misdirected scholarship".

The Guardian

But those were in the days when we were entranced by the novelty of the genre.

The Guardian - Business

Many surgeons were entranced by the visually compelling procedure, but skeptical of its final results.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were entranced" to convey a sense of wonder and delight, especially when describing reactions to art, nature, or performances. The phrase implies a captivating experience that holds someone's complete attention.

Common error

While "were entranced" is widely applicable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "were fascinated" or "were captivated" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were entranced" functions as a verb phrase, specifically in the past tense, indicating a state of being captivated or delighted by something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing numerous examples where individuals or groups experienced a sense of wonder and fascination.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

12%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were entranced" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to depict a state of being captivated and delighted. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it is particularly common in news and media contexts, with academic sources also employing it to a lesser extent. While broadly applicable, it's advisable to consider more neutral alternatives in highly formal settings. Alternatives like "were captivated", "were fascinated", and "were mesmerized" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. This ensures precise communication across diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were captivated

Replaces "entranced" with "captivated", focusing on the act of being captured by something.

were fascinated

Emphasizes intellectual interest and delight, a slightly different nuance than being purely "entranced".

were mesmerized

Suggests a hypnotic or spellbound state, implying a stronger influence than simply being "entranced".

were spellbound

Highlights the magical or enchanting quality of what is captivating them.

were charmed

Focuses on the pleasant or delightful nature of the captivating experience.

were enchanted

Similar to 'spellbound', suggesting a magical quality but often implying a lighter, more whimsical feeling.

were enthralled

A more formal synonym for "entranced", indicating complete absorption and delight.

were absorbed

Focuses on the state of being completely engaged and immersed, rather than necessarily delighted.

were riveted

Emphasizes the intensity of attention, suggesting they were unable to look away.

were beguiled

Suggests being charmed or deceived in a pleasant way.

FAQs

What does "were entranced" mean?

"Were entranced" means to be delighted and filled with wonder, captivated to the point of fascination. It implies a state of being completely absorbed by something beautiful, interesting, or magical.

How can I use "were entranced" in a sentence?

You can use "were entranced" to describe someone's reaction to something captivating, such as "The children "were entranced" by the vibrant colors of the parade" or "The audience "were entranced" by the ballerina's graceful movements".

What are some alternatives to "were entranced"?

Alternatives to "were entranced" include "were captivated", "were fascinated", "were mesmerized", or "were spellbound" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "were entranced" formal or informal?

"Were entranced" is generally considered to be neutral to slightly formal in tone. While suitable for many contexts, consider the specific audience and purpose when choosing between it and more neutral or formal alternatives.