a growing preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a growing preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an increasing concern or focus on a particular issue or topic over time. Example: "Climate change has become a growing preoccupation for governments and citizens alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Other explanations include a growing preoccupation with digital technology.

The Guardian

The subject of Dine's work of the 1970s remained commonplace objects, but he showed a growing preoccupation with graphic media.

Britannica

However the integration of minorities within this nation of 9.4 million people has become a growing preoccupation, especially in cities that have experienced high rates of immigration.

The New York Times

The problem is becoming a growing preoccupation of Washington area enterprises, which is one reason why we decided to focus this special issue of Capital Business on cybersecurity.

The Washington Post

Since 2011 investigating this grisly episode has become a growing preoccupation, and one that finally drove me to travel to the other side of the world.

The Guardian

This seminar examines ideas of deception - inganno in Italy, engaño in Spain - as a fundamental trait of the visual arts and as a growing preoccupation in literature, politics, science, and religion in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The ability to guarantee the sustainability of Europe's healthcare systems, without detriment to accessibility or efficiency, is an ever growing preoccupation.

BMC Health Services Research

It was the subject of the GCSE geography inquiry that he wrote at 14, the aim of which was to predict its future, though this seems mostly to have been a way of making a teenage virtue of his growing preoccupation with its atmosphere, an "ill- omened", "sombrous" mood he recognised in the novels he'd begun to read: The Hound of the Baskervilles, Lorna Doone, Wuthering Heights.

The Guardian - Books

"The fact that they went to the comptroller to do something like that was in part a function of their growing preoccupation with Iraq," said Mr. Zakheim, who left the administration in 2004.

The New York Times

But it was an attendant pleasure of my growing preoccupation with first editions that I began to recognise, trawling through bookshops and bookseller's catalogues, when a book was not merely desirable but underpriced.

The Guardian - Books

In his speech, Mr. Blair took notice of the growing preoccupation and extended an olive branch to the critics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a growing preoccupation", ensure the context clearly indicates what is becoming increasingly important or concerning. For instance, specify "a growing preoccupation with environmental issues" rather than simply "a growing preoccupation".

Common error

Avoid using "a growing preoccupation" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "more and more worried" or "increasingly focused" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a growing preoccupation" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an increasing concern or focus. Ludwig AI confirms this is a valid expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a growing preoccupation" is a valid and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an increasing concern or focus on a particular issue. Ludwig AI confirms this expression as correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to formal register. While not extremely common, the phrase is well-understood and can effectively convey a sense of escalating importance or interest. Alternatives like "an increasing concern" or "a rising concern" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an increasing concern

Replaces "preoccupation" with a more general term for worry or interest, and maintains the sense of something increasing over time.

a rising concern

Similar to "increasing concern", this alternative uses "rising" to convey the same sense of increasing importance or worry.

a mounting concern

Emphasizes the gradual accumulation of worry or interest, similar to "growing".

a developing interest

Shifts the focus from worry to interest, suggesting that attention is increasing over time.

an escalating interest

Suggests a more rapid increase in interest or focus compared to "growing".

a heightened awareness

Focuses on the increasing recognition or understanding of something.

a burgeoning focus

Uses "burgeoning" to suggest rapid growth in focus or attention.

a strengthening emphasis

Highlights the increasing importance or stress placed on something.

an emerging trend

Frames the preoccupation as a newly developing pattern or tendency.

a deepening interest

Suggests that the level of interest or focus is becoming more intense over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a growing preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "a growing preoccupation" to describe an increasing concern or focus on something. For example, "There is "a growing preoccupation" with data privacy among social media users."

What are some alternatives to "a growing preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "an increasing concern", "a rising concern", or "a mounting concern". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a growing preoccupation for" or "a growing preoccupation with"?

While both can be used, "a growing preoccupation with" is more common and generally preferred. "For" can sometimes be used to indicate a reason or purpose, but "with" is better suited to express focus or concern.

What's the difference between "a growing preoccupation" and "a passing fad"?

"A growing preoccupation" suggests a serious and increasing focus on something, while "a passing fad" implies a short-lived and often trivial trend. The former suggests a sustained interest, while the latter implies something temporary.