a specific preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a specific preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a particular concern, interest, or focus that someone has. Example: "Her writing often reflects a specific preoccupation with themes of identity and belonging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his first monograph, Self Portrait, Friedlander says the photographs "were not done as a specific preoccupation, but rather, they happened as a peripheral extension of my work... they came about slowly and not with a plan but more as another discovery each time..

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The criteria for such selections and re-molding activities culminating in the formation of a scientific concept are the specific preoccupation of the philosophy of science.

SEP

Has turned to fictional films in the mid-1950s, athehe time of the regeneration of Polish cinema, but unlike many of his contemporaries, notably Andrzej Wajda and Andrzej Munk, he avoided specific preoccupation with the second world war and its immediate aftermath.

The Guardian

But the premise of Spacewar seemed to reflect the specific preoccupations of that time in the early 1960's.

The New York Times - Tech

But in this case, they clearly reflected the specific preoccupations of the pope and other Vatican officials with events surrounding the American invasion of Iraq and with the unabated fighting between Israelis and Palestinians.

The New York Times

This is a valid point, and I point it out here to say that something need not be original to be exciting to hear and see in the theatre, as well as to point out my own specific preoccupations with the play's style were not universal.

Huffington Post

They show processes of accounting, for example, to necessarily entail the imposition of a specific set of ambitions, preoccupations and objectives to make things know-able and account-able in a specific and often novel way [ 55, 56, 71, 72].

BMC Health Services Research

Preoccupations focused solely on physical appearance (exaggerations of imaginal/minor defect of a specific part of the body) may indicate a diagnosis of Body Dysmorphic Disorder.

Child and Youth Care Forum

For example, Robertson (2001) documents the preoccupation with numbers among Canadian women at risk of breast cancer, with such women intent on assigning themselves a specific risk figure (for example, 'a 50/50 chance' of being diagnosed with the disease).

BioSocieties

"Equal outcomes", the new mantra of education, has led to a preoccupation with specific levels of attainment on which the national literacy strategy rests.But while a focus on reading tends to highlight the relative under-performance of boys, they do not lag behind in every respect.

The Economist

They concluded that: "There is a need to go beyond a preoccupation of growth within specific organisations to also consider how scaling of social impact can be achieved through building networks, sharing approaches and supporting other organisations to replicate, develop and adapt approaches".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a specific preoccupation" when you want to emphasize that someone is particularly focused or concerned with a certain issue or topic. It suggests a deliberate and perhaps persistent interest.

Common error

Avoid using "a specific preoccupation" too frequently in your writing. While it's a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive or overly formal. Vary your language by using alternatives like "a particular interest" or "a distinct focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a specific preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a particular focus of interest or concern. The inclusion of 'specific' emphasizes that the preoccupation is not general but rather directed towards a particular subject or area. Ludwig AI validates its usage, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a specific preoccupation" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote a particular area of focus or concern. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, frequently appearing in news and media, and scientific writing. While not overly common, its use is appropriate when emphasizing a clearly defined interest or concern. Remember to use it judiciously and consider alternatives to avoid repetition. Alternatives like "a particular interest" or "a distinct focus" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. The phrase is more often present on news media than other source types.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a particular interest

Focuses on the aspect of interest rather than concern or obsession.

a distinct focus

Highlights the clarity and definition of the focus.

a marked concern

Emphasizes the element of worry or unease.

a singular obsession

Conveys a more intense and potentially unhealthy level of focus.

a prevailing interest

Suggests widespread or common interest.

a dominant concern

Indicates that the concern is of utmost importance.

a central fixation

Implies an unwavering and potentially unhealthy focus.

a key interest

Highlights the importance and relevance of the interest.

a special enthusiasm

Focuses on the positive and passionate aspect of the interest.

a personal concern

Indicates a concern that is specific to an individual.

FAQs

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

You can use "a specific preoccupation" to describe someone's intense interest or concern with something. For example: "Her art reflects "a specific preoccupation" with environmental issues".

What are some alternatives to "a specific preoccupation"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a particular interest", "a distinct focus", or "a marked concern", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "specific preoccupation" or "general preoccupation"?

The choice depends on whether you're referring to a broad, undefined concern (general) or a clearly defined, particular one (specific). "Specific" adds clarity and emphasis to the nature of the preoccupation.

Can "a specific preoccupation" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "a specific preoccupation" is suitable for formal writing, especially when you want to highlight a detailed and focused interest or concern. It's often used in academic or professional contexts.