are consumed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are consumed with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a strong preoccupation or obsession with something. Example: "She is consumed with thoughts of her upcoming presentation, unable to focus on anything else."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some are consumed with consuming; others worry about how to lock in economic gains.

The New York Times

Ten pages are consumed with drawings of giant fluffy hearts.

The New York Times

For now, the artists are consumed with determining how much of their work is lost.

The New York Times

But you know this is the right thing to do and you are consumed with it.

The New York Times - Arts

Rather, his days are consumed with working his way down that whiteboard curve.

The New York Times - Tech

McCain also feels that his inquisitors are consumed with the pursuit of frivolous "gotcha" questions.

The Washington Post

Swathed in a stodgy bun, the burnt offerings are consumed with relish, literally and metaphorically.

Independent

He wonders why many N.B.A. players are consumed with being chauffeured around in limousines instead of driving themselves.

The New York Times - Sports

As if this were not enough, managers at our ports are consumed with work just to assuring the process.

The Guardian

The Lakers are consumed with pressing issues, like how to involve Smush Parker, the former Fordham star.

The New York Times

Members are consumed with pointing fingers and deflecting any blame from the design, manufacturing, or other groups they represent.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about something emotionally draining, consider using "are consumed with grief" or "are consumed with anger" to convey the intensity of the emotion.

Common error

While "are consumed with" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "are preoccupied with" or "are engrossed in".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are consumed with" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject. It indicates that the subject is completely absorbed or preoccupied with something. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, from emotional states to professional endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are consumed with" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey a state of intense preoccupation or obsession. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, media, and academic contexts. When writing with the term "are consumed with", keep in mind that while it is correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Be sure to vary your language by using synonyms like "are preoccupied with" or "are engrossed in".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are preoccupied with

Focus shifts to general preoccupation rather than intense consumption.

are obsessed with

Emphasizes an intense, often irrational focus.

are engrossed in

Highlights deep involvement and absorption.

are absorbed in

Similar to engrossed, but can imply a more passive state.

are immersed in

Suggests being completely surrounded or enveloped.

are dedicated to

Focuses on commitment and devotion.

are devoted to

Similar to dedicated, but can imply a stronger emotional connection.

are fixated on

Implies an obsessive and often unhealthy focus.

are captivated by

Highlights being charmed or fascinated.

are deeply involved in

Emphasizes active participation and commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "are consumed with" in a sentence?

The phrase "are consumed with" indicates a state of being completely absorbed or preoccupied with something. For example, "The students "are consumed with" their upcoming exams" or "She "is consumed with" grief after the loss".

What's the difference between "are consumed with" and "are interested in"?

"Are consumed with" implies a much stronger and more intense focus than "are interested in". While interest is a mild engagement, being consumed suggests a near-obsessive preoccupation. For example: "They "are consumed with" finding a solution" versus "They "are interested in" the project's outcome".

What can I say instead of "are consumed with"?

You can use alternatives like "are preoccupied with", "are obsessed with", or "are engrossed in", depending on the context and the degree of intensity you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are consumed with" in formal writing?

Yes, "are consumed with" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the intensity of someone's focus or preoccupation. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. In some cases, "are dedicated to" or "are focused on" might be more suitable depending on context.