absorbed in

USAGE SUMMARY

"absorbed in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone's focus on something, such as pursuing an activity with great intensity and concentration. For example: "He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't even hear me enter the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

b. absorbed in.

The New York Times

Bedan remained absorbed in his telephone.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was wholly absorbed in commerce.

The New Yorker

She was too absorbed in the choreography.

The New York Times - Arts

Lynda remained absorbed in her mail.

The New Yorker

B.S. was completely absorbed in his BlackBerry.

The New York Times - Food

His adolescent drives were absorbed in his writing.

The Guardian - Books

Third, the university was absorbed in the Ohio public system.

The New York Times - Books

He was in the Jets' locker room, absorbed in conversation.

The New York Times - Sports

Silently, deeply engrossed, they watch, absorbed in the moment.

The Guardian

He was so absorbed in cyberspace, he hadn't noticed.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absorbed in" to clearly convey a state of deep focus or immersion, ensuring the context provides a clear understanding of what the subject is engrossed in. For instance, "She was completely absorbed in her novel, oblivious to the noise around her."

Common error

Avoid using "absorbed in" to describe inanimate objects unless it's in a metaphorical sense. It's more accurate to say a sponge "absorbed" water, rather than saying the sponge was "absorbed in" water.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absorbed in" functions as a stative adjective phrase, describing a state of being deeply engaged or engrossed in something. Ludwig showcases many examples where individuals are described as being "absorbed in" activities or thoughts, demonstrating its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "absorbed in" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys deep focus or immersion. As affirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts make it a reliable choice for writers. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase, commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While "absorbed in" is generally suitable for various registers, it's important to ensure proper usage, particularly avoiding its application to inanimate objects. Alternatives like "engrossed in" or "immersed in" can provide nuanced variations in meaning. Considering these factors will help writers leverage the full potential of "absorbed in" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engrossed in

Emphasizes complete attention and involvement, similar to "absorbed in" but with a slightly stronger connotation of captivation.

immersed in

Suggests being deeply involved or surrounded by something, highlighting the enveloping nature of the experience.

preoccupied with

Focuses on the mental state of being concerned or engrossed in something, often to the exclusion of other things.

involved in

Indicates participation or engagement in an activity, with a broader scope than "absorbed in".

focused on

Highlights the direction of attention towards a specific point or task, emphasizing concentration.

caught up in

Implies being drawn into an activity or situation, often unexpectedly or unintentionally.

lost in

Suggests a sense of detachment from reality, emphasizing the immersive nature of the experience.

wrapped up in

Indicates being completely occupied or involved, often suggesting a temporary state.

consumed by

Emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the focus, implying that something dominates one's attention.

dedicated to

Focuses on commitment and devotion to a particular task or goal, highlighting the purposeful nature of the involvement.

FAQs

How can I use "absorbed in" in a sentence?

Use "absorbed in" to describe someone's deep focus or immersion in an activity or thought. For example, "He was completely "absorbed in" his work and didn't notice the time passing."

What are some alternatives to "absorbed in"?

You can use alternatives such as "engrossed in", "immersed in", or "preoccupied with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "absorbed by" instead of "absorbed in"?

While "absorbed by" can be used, it often implies that someone or something is being consumed or overwhelmed by something, whereas ""absorbed in"" suggests a state of deep focus and engagement.

What is the difference between "absorbed in" and "interested in"?

"Interested in" indicates a general curiosity or liking for something, while ""absorbed in"" implies a deeper level of focus and immersion, often to the exclusion of other things.