a singular preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a singular preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific focus or concern that occupies someone's thoughts or attention. Example: "Her work became a singular preoccupation, leaving little room for anything else in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Nevertheless, a singular preoccupation with game is widely considered U.C.B.'s main contribution to the pedagogy of improv.

The New York Times

Her work has changed over the years — a singular preoccupation with formal experimentation giving way to include an interest in storytelling.

The New Yorker

"It is the failure to experience huzun," Pamuk says, "that leads him to feel it". According to Pamuk, moreover, huzun is not a singular preoccupation but a communal emotion, not the melancholy of an individual but the black mood shared by millions.

The Washington Post

Theirs is a singular preoccupation with Israel.

Huffington Post

A search for the Theory of Everything has been as much a feature of biological research as it has been a singular preoccupation of theoretical physicists.

EMBO Molecular Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Postapocalyptic times, and their singular preoccupation with survival, look easy compared with this journey to the end game.

The New York Times - Books

"The weight of the past has sometimes been more present than the present itself," the author Enrique Krauze once wrote of Mexicans' singular preoccupation with history's legacy, the crucible of conquest and colonialism, reform and revolution that forged their modern outlook.

The New York Times

Similarly, Kierkegaard saw himself as a "singular universal" whose personal preoccupation with himself was transfigured by divine Governance into universal significance.

SEP

Consequently, the current preoccupation with autonomy as a singular marker of 'respect for persons' and its pre-eminence among the four bioethical principles is unwarranted and calls for revision [ 50, 85, 120].

BMC Medical Ethics

Werner Herzog is a singular film director, drawn to bizarre characters and situations in strange surroundings, with a preoccupation with outsiders who refuse to conform to a limited social structure.

The Guardian - Film

It is a singular document.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a singular preoccupation" when you want to emphasize that someone is almost exclusively focused on one particular thing, often to the exclusion of other concerns.

Common error

Avoid using "a singular preoccupation" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing sentences to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a singular preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes a specific state or condition. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a singular preoccupation" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe an intense and dominant focus on a particular subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare in overall usage, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts. When writing, remember that using this phrase effectively means highlighting a near-exclusive focus. For alternatives, consider phrases like "dominant concern" or "primary focus" to add variety to your writing. Be mindful of overuse to maintain impact. Understanding these points helps writers leverage "a singular preoccupation" effectively in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dominant concern

Emphasizes the dominance of the concern, rather than its uniqueness.

a primary focus

Highlights the focus as being the main one, slightly less intense than a preoccupation.

a central obsession

Conveys a more intense and potentially unhealthy focus.

a consuming interest

Suggests the interest takes up a significant amount of time and energy.

an overriding concern

Focuses on the concern's power to supersede other considerations.

a major fixation

Similar to obsession but perhaps slightly less intense.

a ruling passion

Indicates a very strong and guiding passion that dominates one's life.

a prevailing interest

Highlights the pervasiveness of the interest over time or among other interests.

a special enthusiasm

Suggests a strong positive feeling towards something, but less intense than a preoccupation.

a distinctive interest

Focuses on the uniqueness of the interest, rather than its dominance.

FAQs

What does "a singular preoccupation" mean?

The phrase "a singular preoccupation" refers to a state where someone is almost entirely focused or concerned with one particular thing, often to the exclusion of other matters. It suggests a strong and possibly obsessive interest.

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

You might say, "Her "dominant concern" with environmental issues became a singular preoccupation, influencing all her decisions" or "The artist's "central obsession" with light was a singular preoccupation evident in all his paintings".

Are there alternatives to the phrase "a singular preoccupation"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as ""dominant concern"", "primary focus", or ""central obsession"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "singular preoccupation" formal or informal?

"Singular preoccupation" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. It is suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. In very informal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferred.