“Fascinated With” vs. “Fascinated By” – How to Correctly Use Each Phrase

In English, certain verbs pair with specific prepositions to form standard or idiomatic expressions.

“Fascinated” is one such verb that can pair with different prepositions, namely “with” and “by.”

Both are used, but their applications can sometimes vary by nuance or regional preference. Let’s dive deeper into these two phrases to understand their optimal uses.

Quick Summary

Both “fascinated with” and “fascinated by” are used to indicate a strong interest or attraction to something. While they are often interchangeable, some contexts or nuances might lean toward the use of one over the other. Generally, “fascinated by” is more common and widely accepted, while “fascinated with” may be used more in specific contexts or regions.

“Fascinated With” vs. “Fascinated By” – Which is Correct?

Both “fascinated with” and “fascinated by” are correct and can often be used interchangeably. However, there are subtle nuances that can guide the choice between them.

Phrase	When to Use	Example
Fascinated by	When indicating the cause of fascination; widely accepted	She was fascinated by the intricate details of the painting.
Fascinated with	Can be used when indicating a deep involvement or obsession with something	He became fascinated with collecting rare stamps.

How to Use “Fascinated By”

“Fascinated by” is typically used to indicate the cause or source of one’s fascination. It’s a more general form and is widely accepted in many contexts.

• Example: The students were fascinated by the experiment’s unexpected results.

How to Use “Fascinated With”

“Fascinated with” can be used to suggest a deeper involvement or a sense of obsession with something, especially when someone delves into the specifics or details of a subject.

• Example: Ever since her childhood, she’s been fascinated with studying the behavior of ants.

Practice Exercises

1. The audience was _______ the magician’s performance.
2. He’s always been _______ the mysteries of the universe.
3. The detective became _______ solving the complex case.
4. Children are often _______ creatures they find in the garden.
5. She’s _______ learning new languages and understanding different cultures.

Answer Key:

1. fascinated by
2. fascinated with (though “fascinated by” can also work here)
3. fascinated with
4. fascinated by
5. fascinated with (though “fascinated by” can also work here)

Conclusion

While both “fascinated with” and “fascinated by” can convey a strong interest or attraction, there are subtle nuances that can influence their usage.

“Fascinated by” generally indicates the cause of one’s fascination and is widely used in many contexts. In contrast, “fascinated with” can suggest a deeper involvement or obsession, especially with specific details or subjects.

Always refer back to this guide when choosing between “fascinated with” and “fascinated by” for clear and precise communication.