a primary preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a main concern or focus of attention in a particular context. Example: "In her research, climate change emerged as a primary preoccupation that influenced her findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Light is also a primary preoccupation of Joseph Reboli, who has a special fondness for the warm glow of afternoon sun and the moment, as in "East End Reflections," with its rain-soaked fields mirroring passing clouds, when changeable skies yield dappled effects.

The New York Times

"What a pity it's not a sin!" says a woman licking an ice cream in a story by Stendhal, reminding us that the search for pleasure – and prohibited pleasure at that – is a primary preoccupation for most people a good deal of the time, even for those trying to hide from it.

The Guardian - Books

In observing a multitude of biographies and funerary inscriptions, Hymes states that officials in the Northern Song era displayed a primary preoccupation with national interests, as they did not intervene in local or central government affairs for the benefit of their local prefecture or county.

Wikipedia

In adult intensive care patients, hypoxemia is a primary preoccupation for all clinicians.

Critical Care

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Second, Day's description of her time at Ms. in "Ghost Waltz," though the magazine isn't mentioned by name, is ambivalent at best, and ties in with the memoir's other primary preoccupation: a relentless examination of her own anti-Semitism.

The New Yorker

The primary preoccupation of the oncology team will usually lay an emphasis on maintaining survival.

British Journal of Cancer

And, for me, his primary preoccupation was never more brilliantly realised than in Strangers on a Train, the murder-swap thriller from 1951.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Godard's primary preoccupation was always with cinema itself.

The New York Times - Books

Its primary preoccupation is preoccupation — devotion, longing, hunger — either for man or God.

The New Yorker

But should it have become the primary preoccupation of the World Trade Organisation?

The Guardian - Opinion

When the primary preoccupation of average Iraqis is when and how they are likely to be killed, we can hardly feel smug as we hand out care packages.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a primary preoccupation" to clearly indicate the main focus or concern in a discussion or analysis. This phrase is suitable for formal and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary preoccupation" in informal contexts where simpler language would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "main concern" or "focus" can be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the main or most important concern or focus. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in various contexts, emphasizing a subject's central interest or activity.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a primary preoccupation" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating the main focus or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal and academic writing but may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "main concern" or "central focus" in informal settings. Usage patterns show the phrase appears mostly in news, scientific, and wiki contexts, emphasizing its role in identifying key issues in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major concern

Replaces "preoccupation" with a more common and less formal term, "concern".

a central focus

Emphasizes the idea of something being the main point of attention.

a chief concern

Similar to "a major concern" but uses "chief" to denote higher importance.

the main priority

Rephrases to emphasize that something is the utmost priority.

a key priority

Highlights the importance of something as a main goal.

a dominant theme

Suitable when the preoccupation is a recurring idea or subject.

a foremost interest

Indicates the primary area of interest or attention.

a leading consideration

Highlights something that is primarily taken into account.

a principal worry

Focuses on the aspect of worry or anxiety as the main preoccupation.

the biggest worry

Replaces "preoccupation" with a more informal, direct expression of concern.

FAQs

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

Use "a primary preoccupation" to highlight the main focus or concern. For example: "Maintaining survival is "a primary preoccupation" of the oncology team".

What are some alternatives to "a primary preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "a major concern", "a central focus", or "a key priority", depending on the specific context.

Is "a primary preoccupation" formal or informal?

"A primary preoccupation" is more formal and suitable for academic or professional writing. In informal settings, consider using simpler terms like "main focus".

How does "a primary preoccupation" differ from "a secondary preoccupation"?

"A primary preoccupation" refers to the main or most important concern, while "a secondary preoccupation" indicates a less important or subordinate concern.