wholly absorbing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly absorbing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that completely captures one's attention or interest. Example: "The novel was so wholly absorbing that I lost track of time while reading it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The central figure in these scenes is an author named Hannah Jarvis (the wholly absorbing Lia Williams), who is seeking refuge from the present in the past.

The New Yorker

This "ruminative, wholly absorbing" account unfolds with "quiet authority, lending unexpected dignity to the whole affair," our reviewer, Bruce Barcott, wrote in the Book Review last year.

The New York Times - Books

F The first album from F, the recording alias of the French electronic music producer Florent Aupetit, is the wholly absorbing "Energy Distortion" (7even), which includes material from three earlier EPs as well as bonus tracks.

The New York Times - Arts

I watched it entirely as an exercise in style, wholly absorbing in terms of dynamic, spatial, and physical contrasts: fast versus slow, one diagonal versus another, arms, feet, knees, hands, head, eyes, all playing with or against each other.

The New York Times - Arts

In the present-day scenes, scholars, including an author named Hannah Jarvis (the wholly absorbing Lia Williams), pore over the letters and theorems produced by their predecessors, in a bid, ultimately, to understand themselves.

The New Yorker

Might it have seemed wholly absorbing as danced by its original cast in 1958?

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He was wholly absorbed in commerce.

The New Yorker

At the front of the room, Jesus hasn't moved, wholly absorbed in His own pain.

The New Yorker

In reality, presidential advisers say, Mr. Bush is wholly absorbed by the race.

The New York Times

And I found myself wholly absorbed by Mr. Nathan's retelling of the Columbia Pictures debacle.

The New York Times

Iron is almost wholly absorbed in the duodenum by a process that involves metabolic activity requiring energy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly absorbing" to describe experiences, narratives, or performances that completely capture the audience's attention and create a sense of immersion.

Common error

Avoid using "wholly absorbing" in informal or trivial situations, as it can sound overly dramatic or affected. Reserve it for describing truly captivating and immersive experiences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly absorbing" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun to indicate that something is completely captivating and able to hold one's attention entirely. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing performances, accounts, and biographies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wholly absorbing" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to convey the complete captivating nature of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical status is correct and it can be used to describe a variety of subjects. While the register tends to be formal, it is suitable for a range of contexts, including news and media. Alternative phrases, such as "completely engrossing" or "utterly fascinating", can be used to achieve a similar effect with slight variations in nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely engrossing

Replaces "wholly" with "completely" and "absorbing" with "engrossing", offering a slightly different nuance.

entirely captivating

Substitutes "wholly" with "entirely" and "absorbing" with "captivating", emphasizing the enchanting quality.

utterly fascinating

Replaces "wholly" with "utterly" and "absorbing" with "fascinating", highlighting the captivating nature.

totally enthralling

Substitutes "wholly" with "totally" and "absorbing" with "enthralling", focusing on the captivating and spellbinding aspect.

fully immersed

Shifts the focus to the experience of being completely involved, rather than the quality of being absorbing.

deeply engaging

Emphasizes the active involvement and connection created by something that's absorbing.

intensely interesting

Highlights the high level of interest generated, differing slightly from complete absorption.

absolutely riveting

Suggests something that is intensely gripping and attention-grabbing.

remarkably consuming

Focuses on the degree to which something takes up one's attention or time.

thoroughly captivating

Emphasizes the comprehensive and complete nature of being captivated.

FAQs

How can I use "wholly absorbing" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly absorbing" to describe something that completely captures your attention. For example, "The novel was a "wholly absorbing" experience, I couldn't put it down".

What are some alternatives to "wholly absorbing"?

Alternatives include "completely engrossing", "entirely captivating", or "utterly fascinating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wholly absorbing" formal or informal?

"Wholly absorbing" leans towards a more formal register. While not strictly inappropriate in informal settings, it's generally better suited for more descriptive or analytical writing.

What's the difference between "wholly absorbing" and "partially absorbing"?

"Wholly absorbing" implies complete attention and immersion, whereas "partially absorbing" suggests only some aspects are engaging or attention-grabbing. The former signifies a total captivating effect, while the latter indicates limited engagement.