a common obsession among

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common obsession among" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared fixation or preoccupation that a group of people has regarding a particular subject or activity. Example: "Social media has become a common obsession among teenagers, influencing their daily lives and interactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a common obsession among his friends.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

For example, take a common nerdy obsession: Math.

WikiHow

Common obsessions include: A powerful psychological need for order, symmetry, or exactness.

WikiHow

A common complaint among passengers was confusion.

The New York Times

Epilepsy is a common condition among Americans.

The New York Times - Health

This is a common mistake among graduates.

The Guardian

This is a common story among bikers.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a common criticism among delegates.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a common obsession among", ensure that the context clearly defines the group and the object of their obsession to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "a common obsession among stamp collectors" rather than just "a common obsession".

Common error

Be cautious when using "a common obsession among" if the shared interest is mild or casual. Consider using milder terms like "interest", "concern", or "fascination" to accurately reflect the level of engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common obsession among" functions as a descriptor, identifying a shared intense interest or preoccupation within a group. Ludwig examples show its application in various contexts, from cultural phenomena to personal interests. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a common obsession among" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a shared, intense interest or preoccupation within a specific group. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and suitable for various contexts. Predominantly found in news media and general interest writing, the phrase serves to highlight widespread interests or explain specific trends and behaviors. While "obsession" implies intensity, it's crucial to consider the strength of the interest when choosing this phrase, as milder terms might be more appropriate in some contexts. Alternative phrases like "a widespread interest in" or "a shared fixation among" can offer nuanced ways of expressing similar ideas. This analysis provides practical guidance for writers aiming to use the phrase effectively and accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared fixation among

Replaces "obsession" with "fixation" to soften the intensity of the preoccupation, while maintaining the sense of shared interest.

a collective preoccupation among

Emphasizes the shared or group aspect of the preoccupation, replacing "common" with "collective".

a widespread preoccupation with

Shifts from "obsession among" to "preoccupation with", focusing on the widespread nature of the concern.

a prevalent interest in

Substitutes "obsession" with "interest", indicating a less intense but still common concern.

a dominating interest for

Substitutes "obsession" for "dominating interest", which conveys intensity.

a general fascination with

Uses "fascination" to denote a strong interest, while maintaining the idea that it is general or widespread.

a habitual focus on

Highlights that a specific subject or activity is given the same importance and consistence.

a popular concern among

Replaces "obsession" with "concern", highlighting that it may be related to a worry or issue, rather than just a pastime.

a recurring theme among

Highlights that a particular topic or idea appears repeatedly within a group, suggesting an underlying obsession.

a typical fixation for

Indicates that a fixation is standard or representative of a group, rather than uniquely held.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a common obsession among" to sound less intense?

Consider using phrases like "a widespread interest in", "a general fascination with", or "a prevalent interest in" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a common obsession between" instead of "a common obsession among"?

While "between" is used for two entities, "among" is used for three or more. Therefore, "a common obsession among" is correct when referring to a group, whereas "between" would only be appropriate for exactly two entities.

What is the difference between "a common obsession among" and "a shared obsession"?

"A common obsession among" emphasizes that the obsession is widespread within a specific group. "A shared obsession" simply highlights that the obsession is held by multiple entities, without necessarily implying it is common within a larger group.

Can "a common obsession among" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a common obsession among" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing social trends, psychological phenomena, or cultural norms. However, consider the intensity implied by "obsession" and whether a less intense term might be more appropriate.