I was so preoccupied with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was so preoccupied with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that you were deeply absorbed or distracted by something, often to the point of neglecting other matters. Example: "I was so preoccupied with my work that I forgot to eat lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"I was so preoccupied with politics then.

The New York Times

"I was so preoccupied with my condition, always thinking that I had something," she recalled.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, I was so preoccupied with studying for my oral exams (English, not economics) that I rarely made it past the inscribed title pages of those volumes by the living and the famous which I plucked from the Galbraiths' shelves.

The New Yorker

Then, there was the question of where to write — or, rather, fail to write — the book on Lawrence: "One of the reasons, in fact, that it was impossible to get started on either the Lawrence book or the novel was because I was so preoccupied with where to live.

The New Yorker

Then, there was the question of where to write or, rather, fail to write the book on Lawrence: "One of the reasons, in fact, that it was impossible to get started on either the Lawrence book or the novel was because I was so preoccupied with where to live.

The New Yorker

I was so preoccupied with chasing material comforts that my happiness took a back seat.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

My brother and I were so preoccupied with our new lives in New York that we almost missed the fact that our father had brought his second wife and a two-year-old daughter to London.

The New Yorker

I think the reason I am so preoccupied with the artist label is that if I let it go, I fear I will be nothing, but maybe that's the first step to making peace with it?

Vice

I'm so preoccupied with my hair I can barely bother to worry about the other ramifications of a waterless, toilet-free world (not to mention, zero internet or electricity).

Huffington Post

Reggie Miller was so preoccupied with his contract that he rushed down the hall to Hill's hotel room and yelled: "Your boy just ruined my leverage!

The New York Times - Sports

She hinted that the director was so preoccupied with the elaborate set-pieces that he didn't always pay enough attention to characterisation.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was so preoccupied with", ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what was being neglected or overlooked due to the preoccupation. This provides context and clarifies the impact of the distraction.

Common error

Avoid using "I was so preoccupied with" without specifying what you were preoccupied with. A missing object leaves the sentence incomplete and unclear. For example, instead of saying "I was so preoccupied with…", say "I was so preoccupied with my work that I forgot to eat lunch".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was so preoccupied with" functions as a declarative statement expressing a state of being deeply absorbed or distracted. It sets the stage for explaining subsequent actions or oversights resulting from this preoccupation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was so preoccupied with" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for expressing deep absorption or distraction, as stated by Ludwig AI. While not as common as other similar expressions, it effectively explains or justifies actions stemming from intense focus. It is suitable for a range of contexts from neutral to personal narratives. Remember to always specify the object of your preoccupation for clarity. Alternative phrases such as "I was completely absorbed in" or "I was deeply engrossed in" can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was completely absorbed in

Emphasizes total immersion in something, highlighting the captivating nature of the activity or subject.

I was deeply engrossed in

Suggests a profound level of engagement, often implying a loss of awareness of the surroundings.

I was totally consumed by

Indicates that something dominated one's thoughts and actions, possibly to an excessive degree.

I was heavily invested in

Highlights the emotional or personal stake involved, suggesting a strong interest and commitment.

I was wrapped up in

Implies a sense of being surrounded or enveloped by something, leading to distraction.

I was distracted by

Focuses on the diversion of attention, suggesting a lack of focus on the primary task or concern.

My attention was monopolized by

Suggests that the subject completely captured and held all of one's focus.

I lost myself in

Indicates a complete surrender to an activity, often with a sense of enjoyment or escapism.

I was captivated by

Highlights the alluring or fascinating quality of something, drawing one's attention away from other concerns.

I was fixated on

Suggests an intense, sometimes obsessive focus on a particular thing, possibly to an unhealthy degree.

FAQs

What does "I was so preoccupied with" mean?

It means you were deeply absorbed or distracted by something, often to the extent that you neglected other things. For example, "I was so preoccupied with packing that I forgot my keys".

What can I say instead of "I was so preoccupied with"?

You can use alternatives like "I was completely absorbed in", "I was deeply engrossed in", or "I was totally consumed by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I am preoccupied with"?

Yes, "I am preoccupied with" is grammatically correct. It means you are currently absorbed or distracted by something. The past form is "I was preoccupied with".

What's the difference between "preoccupied with" and "concerned with"?

"Preoccupied with" implies being absorbed in thought or activity, often to the exclusion of other things. "Concerned with", on the other hand, suggests a feeling of worry or interest about something. You can say that you "I was so concerned with" the results of the election.