I know that a fascination 'holds' the individual, but how does one phrase the act of being fascinated? i.e.; does one 'hold' or does one 'have' a fascination?
Would it be more appropriate to say that he or she is 'held' by a fascination?
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Is there a way that you can say that sentence more specifically how you are trying to use it? (ie. "She was held by a fascination of the otters, and wouldn't leave the zoo.")– BillyNairMay 8, 2012 at 20:27
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@BillyNair "In those days I held - and still hold – a fascination with [...]" vs "In those days I had – and still have – a fascination with [...]"– bradleygriffithMay 8, 2012 at 20:41
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Do you, @bradleygriffith, take this fascination, to have and to hold, ...– KazMay 8, 2012 at 22:23
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2 Answers
I (native U.S. speaker) would use is fascinated with or is fascinated by.
As a child, I was fascinated with with any kind of button I could press. While these days I am fascinated by touch-screen technology, I miss the satisfying click of a button.
If forced to use have or held I could use either depending on which is the subject and which is the object:
Vampire romances hold no fascination for me. I have no fascination with the undead.
Yes, held is more appropriate.
He is held by a fascination of sailing in the sea.
