a mutual preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mutual preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a shared concern or interest between two or more parties. Example: "Their relationship was marked by a mutual preoccupation with their careers, often leading to neglect of their personal lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Both movies, and others made around the same time that criticize white progressives, such as Dear White People (a 2014 movie that became a show three years later), stem from a mutual preoccupation that bubbled up organically from vastly different filmmakers, making each project seem all the more representative of its moment.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Here he excels, detailing the panicky mutual preoccupation and the mix of glamour and squalor, exalted passion and petty resentment, that characterize many affairs.

The New York Times - Books

Additional victories were won in the 1894 midterm election, but in 1896 the Populists allowed themselves to be swept into the Democratic cause by their mutual preoccupation with the Free Silver Movement.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A mutual friend introduced them.

The New York Times - Sports

A mutual chemical match.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This implied a mutual understanding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Is MyCSP a mutual?

The Guardian

"It was a mutual decision.

The New York Times - Sports

"Kind of a mutual decision," Rizzo said.

The New York Times - Sports

There should be a mutual benefit test".

The New York Times

The client: a mutual retailer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a mutual preoccupation" to describe a shared interest or concern that significantly influences the actions or thoughts of multiple parties. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject of this shared focus.

Common error

Avoid using "a mutual preoccupation" when describing casual shared interests. This phrase implies a deep, often pervasive, focus that might not be appropriate for lighter subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mutual preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, describing a shared state of being absorbed or concerned with something. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it qualifying relationships or movements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a mutual preoccupation" is a grammatically correct phrase that describes a shared and significant focus or concern. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans various contexts, from news and encyclopedias to more informal settings. The phrase is best used to convey a deep, pervasive interest or concern that influences the actions or thoughts of multiple parties. Alternatives such as "a shared concern" or "a common interest" may be more appropriate for lighter contexts. Be mindful of the intensity implied by "preoccupation" to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reciprocal preoccupation

Emphasizes the reciprocal nature of the preoccupation.

a shared concern

Focuses on concern rather than general absorption.

a shared focus

Highlights the shared direction of attention, rather than intensity.

a common interest

Emphasizes shared interest rather than obsessive focus.

a coinciding interest

Stresses that the interests happen to align.

a joint obsession

Highlights the intensity and potentially unhealthy nature of the shared focus.

a consensual fixation

Highlights agreement on being fixated on something.

a mutual fascination

Suggests a strong interest or attraction, rather than a concern.

a collaborative pursuit

Implies an active and cooperative effort towards a common goal.

a united front

Implies a shared focus on external competition instead of internal preoccupation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a mutual preoccupation" to describe a shared interest or concern that significantly influences the actions or thoughts of multiple parties. For instance: "Their relationship was characterized by "a mutual preoccupation" with career advancement."

What are some alternatives to "a mutual preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "a shared concern", "a common interest", or "a joint obsession", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a mutual preoccupation" formal or informal?

"A mutual preoccupation" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it tends to appear more frequently in writing that requires a degree of sophistication.

What's the difference between "a mutual preoccupation" and "a shared interest"?

"A mutual preoccupation" suggests a deeper, more consuming focus than "a shared interest". The former implies that the subject is a central theme in their thoughts or actions, while the latter simply indicates a common area of enjoyment or curiosity.