a healthy preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a healthy preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a positive or constructive focus on a particular interest or concern. Example: "Her passion for environmental issues is a healthy preoccupation that drives her to volunteer and advocate for sustainable practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Back in the old days – circa 1997-2000 – fear of Microsoft was a healthy preoccupation.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Unfortunately, there's no word to mean the perfectly healthy preoccupation with death, which is what I have.

Independent

And I hear what the islanders are telling me, in many various ways: Grenada has a healthy post-occupation preoccupation — to make love, not war.

The New York Times - Travel

The sample features are described in Table  1.> -wrap-foot> *For intentional weight loss, the numbers and % in the table refer to participants responding yes 82.7%% (43 our of 52) of patients presented a strong preoccupation with a healthy food intake based on the cut-off of 24 for the Polish version of the ORTO-15 test.

BMC Psychiatry

Like South Africa, America has preoccupations with inequality and race and a healthy thirst to talk about them.

The Guardian

These suggest that the difference between an ON sufferer and a health-conscious person include the extreme preoccupation with and the judging attitude towards others who do not follow a healthy diet.

BMC Psychiatry

A healthy arts scene, a healthy economy.

The Guardian - Opinion

A healthy mind requires a healthy body.

Independent

A healthy brain means a healthy game.

WikiHow

A healthy body makes a healthy mind!

WikiHow

Only 9 items out of 15 determine the structure of the Polish version of the ORTO-15 test (m = 2.09; SD = 0.51); in the Polish version scores under the cut-off of 24 points indicate a strong preoccupation with consuming healthy food [ 11], while in the original measure the cut-off score is 40 points [ 12].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a healthy preoccupation" to describe an intense focus that yields positive results or personal growth. Make sure the context supports the 'healthy' aspect, indicating it's not detrimental.

Common error

Avoid using "a healthy preoccupation" to describe a focus that becomes obsessive or interferes with daily life. The 'healthy' qualifier implies a balanced and beneficial involvement, not an all-consuming one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a healthy preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, where "healthy" modifies the noun "preoccupation". This construction suggests a particular kind of interest or focus that is viewed positively. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a healthy preoccupation" describes a beneficial and constructive focus of attention. Ludwig indicates that it's grammatically correct and usable, primarily found in news and media contexts but also appearing in science and other fields. While expressing a strong interest, it emphasizes the positive aspects of this focus, distinguishing it from potentially negative obsessions. When using this phrase, ensure the context implies a balanced and non-detrimental involvement. Alternative phrasing includes "a positive focus" or "a constructive interest", allowing for nuanced expression while maintaining semantic proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a positive focus

Focus is highlighted, minimizing the preoccupation aspect and emphasizing the positive intention.

a constructive interest

Replaces 'preoccupation' with 'interest', focusing on the beneficial nature of the focus.

a beneficial obsession

Emphasizes the intensity of the interest while maintaining a positive connotation.

a productive engagement

Shifts the focus to active involvement and its positive results.

a keen dedication

Highlights the commitment and enthusiasm involved.

a strong inclination

Focuses on the inherent drive or tendency towards something.

a wholesome interest

Implies a morally good and beneficial focus.

a valuable enthusiasm

Highlights the worth and passion associated with the focus.

a significant enthusiasm

Highlights the relevance and passion associated with the focus.

a robust interest

Highlights the strength and quality of the interest.

FAQs

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

You can use "a healthy preoccupation" to describe a positive and beneficial focus on something. For example: "Her passion for environmental issues is "a healthy preoccupation" that drives her to volunteer and advocate for sustainable practices."

What's the difference between "a healthy preoccupation" and "an obsession"?

"A healthy preoccupation" implies a beneficial and balanced focus, while "an obsession" suggests an excessive and potentially harmful focus. The key difference lies in the impact and control over the interest.

What are some alternatives to "a healthy preoccupation"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a positive focus", "a constructive interest", or "a beneficial obsession".

When is it appropriate to use the term "a healthy preoccupation"?

Use "a healthy preoccupation" when describing a strong interest or focus that leads to positive outcomes, personal growth, or benefits without causing harm or imbalance in one's life.