an early preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an early preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a concern or interest that someone had at an earlier stage in their life or career. Example: "Her early preoccupation with environmental issues shaped her future career as an activist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Still, greatness was an early preoccupation of his.

The Guardian - Books

After an early preoccupation with sculpture, she met Larionov and shifted her focus to painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Killing him was an early preoccupation of mine, and it has endured off and on even after his death.

The New Yorker

The first is John Piper, whose allegiance to materiality, landscape and ancient churches grew out of an early preoccupation with abstraction.

The Guardian - Books

Although Wetering himself was to follow in his commercial footsteps, he also developed an early preoccupation with philosophy wrought by Rotterdam's wartime destruction and the deaths of Jewish friends.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

After World War II, Berlin's interest shifted from his early preoccupation with Analytic philosophy to the fields of political science, political theory, and intellectual history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hollyoaks' early preoccupation with teenage party-going and who's-snogging-who storylines established a firm following (before the recent arrival of grittier themes, such as last week's look at male rape).

The Guardian

Sorabji's early preoccupation with the occult subsided, and he became more interested in other religions, although it is not known whether he practised any.

Wikipedia

This collection of either unpublished or once-published-but-forgotten work is valuable because it shows Jackson's early preoccupations from the early to mid 1940s, before she came to write those masterpieces, as well as the shocking short story, "The Lottery", published in 1949, which brought her minor fame.

Independent

This fear might explain the earlier preoccupation with familiar strangeness and the old made new.

The Guardian - Books

According to Sir James Frazer, myths and rituals together provided evidence for man's earliest preoccupation, namely, fertility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an early preoccupation", ensure it aligns with the context of something that has been a persistent or recurring thought or focus in the past. It is well-suited for discussing influences or interests during formative years.

Common error

Avoid using "an early preoccupation" to describe a fleeting interest or a casual hobby. The term implies a deeper, more sustained engagement than a simple liking.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an early preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies a subject's initial or previous compelling interest or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an early preoccupation" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a significant initial interest or concern. Ludwig AI indicates its proper usage, particularly in contexts related to news, media, and encyclopedic entries. The phrase suggests a sustained focus that shapes later development. Related phrases such as "initial interest" or "early fascination" can be used as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance. Ensure you use "an" before "early" and avoid applying it to fleeting interests. The phrase is best suited for neutral and formal writing, conveying depth and persistence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial interest

Focuses on the initial attraction to a subject, omitting the nuance of a worry or concern.

early fascination

Highlights the captivating aspect of an initial interest, rather than a general concern.

first concern

Emphasizes the priority of the concern at an early stage, possibly implying a sense of worry.

initial focus

Stresses the starting point of attention or effort, lacking the emotional implication of preoccupation.

childhood obsession

Highlights an intense early interest, particularly one from childhood.

youthful interest

Indicates an interest during youth, which may or may not be a key focus.

primary concern

Highlights what was initially of primary concern

developing interest

Implies an interest that is growing, differing from a settled preoccupation.

nascent passion

Focuses on the early stages of a strong enthusiasm or love for something.

budding interest

Implies a gentle growth, less forceful than "preoccupation".

FAQs

How can I use "an early preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "an early preoccupation" to describe a recurring thought, focus, or interest someone had at a younger age or an earlier stage in their life. For example: "Her early preoccupation with environmental issues shaped her career."

What are some alternatives to "an early preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "initial interest", "early fascination", or "first concern", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "a early preoccupation" instead of "an early preoccupation"?

No, it is incorrect. The correct article to use before "early" is "an" because "early" starts with a vowel sound.

How does "an early preoccupation" differ from "a passing interest"?

"An early preoccupation" suggests a sustained focus or concern over time, whereas "a passing interest" implies a brief or fleeting curiosity.