a preoccupation with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a preoccupation with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong interest or concern about a particular subject or issue. Example: "Her preoccupation with environmental issues led her to pursue a career in sustainability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The vintage vibe was underlined by a preoccupation with space.

The New York Times

Benavente showed a preoccupation with aesthetics and later with ethics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Second, a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance.

The New Yorker

Authoritarians have a preoccupation with luxury, Ben-Ghiat said.

The New Yorker

"I think it's a preoccupation with life really," he said.

The New York Times - Style

But a preoccupation with representation suggests that feminism has lost its larger ambitions.

The New Yorker

Part of the problem is a preoccupation with the here and now.

The New York Times

Those recent guidelines subordinate readiness skills and the arts to a preoccupation with testing.

The New York Times

But isn't a preoccupation with weapons itself evidence of a proclivity for violence?

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, uncertainties about the economy tend to feed through into a preoccupation with health care.

The Economist

Each shows a preoccupation with Byzantine models for figures and faces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a preoccupation with" when you want to describe a state of being constantly absorbed in a particular thought or subject. It can be used to show a deep interest, but also potential anxiety or imbalance.

Common error

While "a preoccupation with" is acceptable, overuse can sound overly negative or intense, especially in professional settings. Consider alternatives like "a focus on" or "an interest in" for a more balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a preoccupation with" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It describes a state of being intensely absorbed in or concerned about something. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse contexts, aligning with Ludwig AI’s assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a preoccupation with" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of intense focus or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While versatile, its tone can range from neutral to slightly negative depending on the context, suggesting a potentially unhealthy or obsessive interest. It appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias and science sources. When a less intense meaning is required, alternatives like "a focus on" or "a strong interest in" may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an obsession with

Implies a more extreme, irrational, or unhealthy level of focus.

a fixation on

Suggests a persistent and often irrational focus, similar to obsession but potentially less intense.

an intense focus on

Highlights concentrated attention, but without the implication of anxiety or unease that "preoccupation" can carry.

an absorption in

Focuses on complete mental involvement, often implying a positive or productive state.

a deep concern for

Emphasizes worry or care about something, shifting the focus to emotional investment.

a strong interest in

Indicates enthusiasm and attention, but lacks the intensity and potential anxiety of "preoccupation".

a ruling passion for

Emphasizes a dominant and driving enthusiasm, often associated with ambition or creativity.

a dedication to

Highlights commitment and effort, rather than just mental focus.

a susceptibility to

Suggests a vulnerability or tendency towards something, differing significantly from active focus.

a sensitivity to

Emphasizes awareness and responsiveness, differing from the proactive and intense focus of "preoccupation".

FAQs

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

Use "a preoccupation with" to describe someone's intense focus or recurring thoughts about a specific topic. For example, "Her preoccupation with environmental issues led her to start a recycling program."

What's a less intense alternative to "a preoccupation with"?

If "a preoccupation with" sounds too strong, you can use phrases like "a strong interest in" or "a focus on" depending on the context.

Is "preoccupation with" positive or negative?

The connotation can vary. It can suggest deep engagement, but also imply obsessive thinking or worry. Context is crucial in determining its tone.

What is the difference between "a fixation on" and "a preoccupation with"?

"A fixation on" often suggests something more rigid and potentially irrational, whereas "a preoccupation with" implies a recurring and absorbing thought process that may or may not be irrational.