What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enthralling
Example
The enthralling story kept me up all night. [enthralling: adjective]
Example
She found the lecture on astrophysics enthralling. [enthralling: gerund or present participle]
gripping
Example
The gripping novel had me on the edge of my seat. [gripping: adjective]
Example
The movie was so gripping that I didn't even notice the time passing. [gripping: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Gripping is more commonly used than enthralling in everyday language. Gripping is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enthralling is less common and refers to a specific type of engagement.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enthralling and gripping?
Both enthralling and gripping are relatively formal words and are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, gripping may be slightly more informal due to its association with popular culture and entertainment media.