a shared obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shared obsession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a common interest or fixation that multiple people have in relation to a particular subject or activity. Example: "The group of friends bonded over a shared obsession with vintage vinyl records, often spending weekends hunting for rare finds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They call their book the "late-flowering fruit of a shared obsession".

The New Yorker

And the two of them found a common ground, a shared obsession.

The New York Times - Books

Men tend to relate to each other via an external, "objective" entity, a shared obsession — cars, hi-fi, music, sport — which requires expertise, provokes argument but most importantly becomes a means for men to express their emotions, indirectly.

The Guardian - Music

JOHANNESBURG — Henry Kissinger called me, which does not happen often, but does happen on the eve of World Cups — a reflection of a shared obsession and a fair indication that soccer (football, actually) will trump the global battle for treasure and influence over the next month, or rather transfer it to the pitch.

The New York Times

A Shared Obsession What brought Francis Crick and James Watson together in 1952 was an intense interest in discovering the chemical structure of the gene.

The New York Times - Science

"Two clever, arrogant boys with a shared obsession," he recalls, resulted in "two months of insanity".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"The Wunderkammer is a kind of shared obsession … There's nothing esoteric about it – it's the foundation of, in some ways, collecting practices and museum practice.

The Guardian

For my father, stepmother, brother, sister and a rotating cast of significant others, friends and in-laws, skiing is our shared obsession.

The New York Times - Travel

(The Ghostface comparisons only become more apt given the two rappers' shared obsession with food).

The New York Times - Arts

(This shared obsession is more eerily similar than anything connecting "The Mentalist" and "Psych").

The New York Times - Arts

Burke, the chief virologist at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, in Silver Spring, had met Wolfe at a public-health conference the year before, and the men had spent hours talking about their shared obsession with viruses.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a shared obsession" to effectively convey a strong, mutual interest that bonds individuals or groups. This phrase can add depth and emotion to your descriptions, indicating a deep connection beyond casual interest.

Common error

Avoid using "a shared obsession" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "mutual interest" or "common passion" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shared obsession" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object. It identifies a common interest or preoccupation among two or more individuals. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in defining relationships and motivations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A shared obsession" is a noun phrase used to describe a strong, mutual interest or preoccupation. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and usability in English writing. With a neutral register, it is particularly common in News & Media, often used to explain connections between people based on a deep mutual interest. While alternatives like "mutual fascination" and "common passion" exist, "a shared obsession" emphasizes the intensity and depth of the shared interest. When using the phrase, writers should aim to convey a strong, mutual interest, and avoid overuse by considering semantically similar words and phrases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a mutual fascination

Emphasizes the element of captivation and interest, rather than intense focus.

a common passion

Highlights the emotional investment and enthusiasm involved.

a joint interest

Focuses on the shared aspect of the interest, without necessarily implying intensity.

a collective fixation

Emphasizes the focused and possibly intense nature of the shared interest.

a united preoccupation

Highlights a shared focus or concern.

a converging enthusiasm

Emphasizes the coming together of different enthusiasts.

a reciprocal interest

Highlights the mutuality and reciprocity of the interest.

a connected zeal

Highlights a link of shared energy and enthusiasm.

a linked fascination

Highlights a connection to shared interests.

a communal preoccupation

Emphasizes the community aspect of shared focus.

FAQs

How can I use "a shared obsession" in a sentence?

You can use "a shared obsession" to describe a strong, mutual interest or preoccupation. For example: "Their "shared obsession" with classic films led them to start a film club."

What are some alternatives to "a shared obsession"?

Alternatives include "mutual fascination", "common passion", or "joint interest", depending on the context and the level of intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a shared obsession" in formal writing?

Yes, "a shared obsession" can be used in formal writing, particularly when you want to emphasize the intensity of the shared interest. However, ensure the tone of your writing aligns with such a strong expression.

What's the difference between "a shared obsession" and "a common interest"?

"A shared obsession" implies a deeper, more intense preoccupation than "a common interest". While a common interest might be a casual liking, "a shared obsession" suggests a significant focus and investment of time and energy.