were intrigued by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were intrigued by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing curiosity or interest in a particular subject or situation. Example: "The researchers were intrigued by the unexpected results of their experiment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We were intrigued by him".

The New Yorker

Still, we were intrigued by the concept.

The New York Times

"They were intrigued by each other," Mr. van Dalen recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

Lots of people were intrigued by the DS, though.

The New York Times

But as novice canoers, we were intrigued by the thought of exploring the waterways ourselves.

The New York Times - Travel

Critics were intrigued by its unexpected shifts in time, place and point of view.

The New York Times - Arts

We were intrigued by his report cards — bearing few A's — from Groton and Harvard.

The New York Times - Travel

They were intrigued by Silver Towers, a well-kept and well-situated co-op building.

The New York Times

Others were intrigued by visions that those approaching the end of life said they experienced.

The New York Times

McKee also said he and his brother were intrigued by the environmental mission of the syndicate.

The New York Times - Sports

And we were intrigued by the range of careers available in the space industry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were intrigued by" when you want to convey a sense of mild curiosity or fascination, often suggesting a desire to learn more or investigate further.

Common error

In highly formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated synonyms like "were captivated by" or "were fascinated by" to convey a stronger sense of interest or engagement, especially if the topic is scholarly or complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were intrigued by" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of curiosity or fascination. It describes a reaction of interest to something novel, mysterious, or stimulating. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules and it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were intrigued by" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to express curiosity or fascination. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for a wide range of contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, stronger alternatives exist for more formal settings. The high frequency of this phrase in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its widespread acceptance and utility in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were fascinated by

Focuses more on captivation and intense interest.

were captivated by

Implies a strong, almost irresistible attraction or interest.

were interested in

A more general expression of curiosity without the intensity of intrigue.

were curious about

Highlights a desire to know more about something.

were drawn to

Suggests an almost magnetic pull or attraction.

were impressed by

Indicates admiration and positive evaluation.

found it fascinating

Emphasizes the object's inherent ability to fascinate.

found it interesting

A more neutral expression of interest.

had a keen interest in

Highlights a strong and sustained interest.

were attracted to

Suggests an appeal or allure that sparked interest.

FAQs

What does "were intrigued by" mean?

The phrase "were intrigued by" means to be curious or fascinated by something. It suggests a mild sense of interest or a desire to know more.

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

You can use "were intrigued by" to describe someone's reaction to something novel or mysterious. For example, "The scientists "were intrigued by" the unusual data from the experiment."

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

You can use alternatives like "were fascinated by", "were interested in", or "were curious about" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "were intrigued by" formal or informal?

"Were intrigued by" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for more formal writing, you might consider stronger alternatives like "were captivated by" or "were enthralled by".