a common obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common obsession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared fixation or preoccupation among a group of people or within a culture. Example: "In today's society, social media has become a common obsession that affects how we interact with one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was a common obsession among his friends.

The New York Times

Some say the American dream consists of going after fame and achieving fortune; a common obsession.

The New York Times

This seems to be a common obsession across the media, given some of the comments about women in politics.

The Guardian

What brought Iberian and British colonization together was a common obsession with the Devil in the New World: "some justifications for colonization in Puritan colonial Massachusetts were really not that different from those espoused in, say, Catholic colonial Lima...

Johns Hopkins University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The three-ski configuration and open cockpit derive from a common Lotus obsession: cutting weight.

The New York Times

Guariglia works close to the ground; he shoots the undersides of bridges and the sheen of vegetables at the market, and includes no fewer than sixteen pages of footwear, a common Chinese obsession.

The New Yorker

For example, take a common nerdy obsession: Math.

WikiHow

"Comic Con is that rare occasion where comic creators and readers can assemble around their common obsession and just be what they are," said Vijayendra Mohanty, a graphic artist who is set to introduce the third part of his graphic novel "Ravanayan" at the event.

The New York Times

Chapters such as Northern Lines dissect the city according to geography, while others, such as Old Times and Bibliomania, do so by history or common obsession.

The Guardian - Books

(Not rated, 80 minutes.) The Scrabble champions in this documentary find obscure game-changers in a rack of seven letters, but they can't find their way out of their common obsession.

The New York Times

Wemple concluded that Playbook "is a native Washingtonian feast, one that runs on favor-trading, common obsessions and a small group of friends and quasi-enemies".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a common obsession" to describe a shared enthusiasm or preoccupation that is not necessarily negative, but rather a strong, unifying interest within a group or society. For example, "Among collectors, vintage stamps are a common obsession".

Common error

Be mindful of the intensity implied by "obsession". If the shared interest is mild, consider using alternatives like "a shared interest" or "a common enthusiasm" to avoid exaggeration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common obsession" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig provides examples where it describes shared interests or fixations within a group or society.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common obsession" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe a shared preoccupation or intense interest within a group or society. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While the term "obsession" can have negative implications, in this context, it generally refers to a strong, unifying interest. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing mostly in news and media, academic, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, consider the intensity of the shared interest and whether a less intense alternative might be more appropriate. Common alternatives include "a widespread preoccupation" or "a shared fixation".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mutual preoccupation

Similar to "a widespread preoccupation", but emphasizes the shared nature of the focus.

a widespread preoccupation

Replaces "obsession" with "preoccupation", suggesting a less intense but still shared focus.

a universal preoccupation

Implies that the preoccupation is shared by nearly everyone.

a shared fixation

Substitutes "obsession" with "fixation", implying a strong and often irrational focus shared by a group.

a prevalent interest

Replaces "obsession" with "interest", indicating a widespread but less intense focus.

a prevailing interest

Similar to "a prevalent interest", indicating a widespread but less intense focus.

a collective fascination

Substitutes "obsession" with "fascination", suggesting a captivating interest shared by many.

a general enthusiasm

Replaces "obsession" with "enthusiasm", indicating a widespread positive interest or excitement.

a dominant trend

Shifts the focus to a trend or fashion that is widely followed, rather than an individual obsession.

a national pastime

Refers to an activity that is very popular and common in a particular country.

FAQs

How can I use "a common obsession" in a sentence?

You can use "a common obsession" to describe a shared interest or preoccupation that is prevalent among a group of people. For example: "Among bird watchers, spotting rare species is a "a common obsession"".

What can I say instead of "a common obsession"?

You can use alternatives like "a widespread preoccupation", "a shared fixation", or "a prevalent interest depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "a common obsession" to describe something negative?

While "obsession" can have negative connotations, "a common obsession" is often used to describe a shared enthusiasm that is not harmful. However, consider the context and audience, and choose a less intense phrase if the shared interest is potentially problematic.

What is the difference between "a common obsession" and "a common interest"?

"A common interest" implies a shared liking or enthusiasm, while ""a common obsession"" suggests a stronger, more intense preoccupation that might border on being excessive. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intensity of the shared focus.