a major preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occupies a significant amount of someone's thoughts or concerns. Example: "Climate change has become a major preoccupation for governments around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Family is a major preoccupation.

The Economist

Insects appeared to be a major preoccupation.

The New York Times

Mozart remains a major preoccupation.

The New York Times - Arts

Money, or lack of it, is a major preoccupation.

The Economist

Trying to read the President's mind on S.D.I. is a major preoccupation in Washington.

The New Yorker

A rising currency also stems inflation — a major preoccupation of the Fed before the latest crisis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Financing the increasingly expensive and unsuccessful war with France was a major preoccupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Kinetic (moving) art, such as the mobile, is a major contemporary preoccupation in painting and sculpture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Cook, a professor of industrial and systems engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, offers a cheerful biography of the Traveling Salesman Problem, which was born as a major mathematical preoccupation in the late 1940s, around the same time as Loman himself, but has gone on to have a far more satisfying career.

The New York Times

Obama's emphasis underscores a White House recognition that while the president seeks to expand his agenda and build a second-term legacy, the economy remains a major public preoccupation.

Huffington Post

For a second consecutive year, Europe's problems are the major preoccupation as government officials and monetary policy makers gather in Washington for the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, which run through Sunday.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a major preoccupation" to clearly indicate something is a dominant concern or focus. For a more formal tone, use it when discussing policy, research, or global events.

Common error

Avoid using "a major preoccupation" in casual conversation or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or unnatural. Instead, opt for simpler phrases like "a big worry" or "main focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase identifies a significant concern or focus within a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major preoccupation" is a noun phrase used to describe something that is a significant concern or focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it is best suited for neutral to formal contexts. When a less formal tone is desired, consider alternatives such as "primary concern" or "key focus". Be mindful of overuse in casual settings. The phrase enjoys Very common status due to a great number of examples identified by Ludwig, with most of them from news and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary concern

This alternative focuses on the element of worry or importance associated with the preoccupation.

a key focus

This alternative highlights the central point of attention, downplaying the anxiety.

a central theme

This phrase emphasizes the recurring subject or idea rather than worry.

a dominant concern

This alternative intensifies the level of worry or significance.

a principal focus

This alternative emphasizes that it's first in order of importance, differing slightly from 'major'.

a significant issue

This phrase shifts the emphasis to the problematic nature of the preoccupation.

a prime interest

This alternative highlights curiosity and attention more than worry.

a chief concern

Replaces "major" with "chief", emphasizing top-level importance.

a leading concern

Highlights the aspect of being at the forefront of worries.

a pressing issue

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and need for immediate attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a major preoccupation" to describe something that occupies someone's thoughts or concerns to a great extent. Example: "Climate change is "a major preoccupation" for many scientists."

What are some alternatives to "a major preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "primary concern", "key focus", or "central theme", depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a major preoccupation" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a major preoccupation" may sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "a big worry" or "main focus".

What makes "a major preoccupation" different from "a minor preoccupation"?

"A major preoccupation" suggests a significant and dominant concern, while "a minor preoccupation" implies something that is only slightly or occasionally worrisome.