an overwhelming preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an overwhelming preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong and persistent focus or concern about something. Example: "Her overwhelming preoccupation with work left little time for her personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

There is the blending of high and low points of cultural reference; the love of bright color and the broadly brushed renderings of people and of architecture; the expressive, even crude handling of paint and other materials, and finally, what you might call an overwhelming preoccupation with narrative.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Distressed by most historians' overwhelming preoccupation with the modern world, an unusual coalition of scholars is trying to stage an intellectual coup, urging their colleagues to look up from the relatively recent swirl of bloody conflicts, global financial exchanges and technological wonders and gaze further back, toward humanity's origins.

The New York Times - Arts

Iraq - naturally and properly - has been the overwhelming preoccupation.

The Guardian

Queer politics and gay men's mental health became his overwhelming preoccupation, as evidenced in The Garden (1990) and Wittgenstein (1993).

The Guardian - Film

Too much of directors' pay comes in annual bonuses paid as share options, he argues, so that their overwhelming preoccupation is to do whatever it takes to keep the share price up – which is personally enriching – rather than grow the company.

The Guardian - Opinion

That should be the goal even if our overwhelming preoccupation is with preventing spills.

Forbes

Order a copy here.

Vice

It was an overwhelming red-top preoccupation, and its events fell into the structures of narratology effortlessly.

Independent

They made an overwhelming case.

The New York Times

This generated an overwhelming response.

Independent

"It was an overwhelming shock.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an overwhelming preoccupation" to vividly portray situations where someone's focus is not just strong, but almost consuming. For example, "The detective's overwhelming preoccupation with the case led to a breakthrough."

Common error

Be careful not to use "an overwhelming preoccupation" when describing simple interests or hobbies. This phrase denotes a level of intensity that can suggest obsession or a near-unhealthy level of focus. Reserve it for situations where the focus genuinely dominates someone's thoughts or actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an overwhelming preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase that describes a subject's intense and dominant focus or concern. It's often used to highlight the degree to which something occupies a person's thoughts and actions, often to the exclusion of other things. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a grammatically sound and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an overwhelming preoccupation" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI, that describes a state of intense and dominant focus or concern. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to emphasize the degree to which someone is absorbed by a particular thought, issue, or activity. While alternatives like "a consuming obsession" or "an all-consuming concern" exist, the choice depends on the nuance you want to convey. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for situations where the focus truly dominates someone's thoughts or actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a consuming obsession

Emphasizes the captivating and absorbing nature of the preoccupation, suggesting it takes over one's thoughts and actions completely.

an all-consuming concern

Highlights the extent to which the concern dominates one's thoughts and actions, suggesting a complete takeover.

a dominant focus

Focuses on the prominence of the preoccupation, indicating it takes precedence over other matters.

a ruling passion

Implies a powerful and controlling enthusiasm that governs one's actions and thoughts.

a central concern

Highlights the importance of the concern, but with slightly less intensity than "overwhelming".

a major interest

Indicates a significant interest, but lacks the urgency and intensity implied by "overwhelming preoccupation".

a primary focus

Suggests that the focus is of utmost importance and receives the most attention.

a key concern

Highlights the concern as essential, but lacks the intense and consuming aspect.

a chief interest

Similar to "major interest" but highlights that this interest is above all else.

a constant thought

Highlights the continuous mental engagement but doesn't necessarily imply the intensity of worry or concern.

FAQs

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

You can use "an overwhelming preoccupation" to describe a state where someone is intensely focused or concerned about something. For example, "Her "overwhelming preoccupation" with the project meant she had little time for anything else."

What are some alternatives to "an overwhelming preoccupation"?

Some alternatives include "a consuming obsession", "an all-consuming concern", or "a dominant focus". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an overwhelming preoccupation"?

Yes, the phrase "an overwhelming preoccupation" is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a suitable phrase to use.

What is the difference between "an overwhelming preoccupation" and "a strong interest"?

"An overwhelming preoccupation" suggests a very intense, almost obsessive focus, while "a strong interest" implies a significant level of curiosity and engagement without the same degree of intensity. The former consumes, while the latter attracts.