be absorbed in

USAGE SUMMARY

"be absorbed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when you focus your attention and energy fully on something. For example, "She was so absorbed in her work that she didn't hear the phone ringing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nancy leaned forward and seemed to be absorbed in watching the moonlit wake of the steamer.

Stanford University

They say they are confident the oversupply will be absorbed in two to three years.

The New York Times

This can easily be absorbed in Zambia's over‐all annual import bill of $500‐million.

The New York Times

We would be absorbed in bliss forever and thereby deprived of any possible agency.

The New York Times

The cost of the festival program, Mr. Davidoff said, "will be absorbed in current departmental budgets".

The New York Times

As a result, they can't predict how much CO2 will be absorbed in the future.

MIT Technology Review

We sit in front of an elderly couple who seem to be absorbed in their conversation.

The New York Times

"It means yet more space that needs to be absorbed in this market," Mr. Krasnow said.

The New York Times

She left behind no body of work that can be absorbed in her absence.

The Guardian

At the moment, Senator Kerry appears to be absorbed in choosing a running mate.

The Guardian

"You could get into bed in something silky and pretend to be absorbed in a book".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be absorbed in" to convey a sense of deep focus and immersion in an activity or subject. For example, instead of saying someone is merely "interested in" a book, you can say they "are absorbed in" it to emphasize their captivation.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions. The correct preposition to use with "absorbed" to indicate immersion or focus is "in", not "by", "with", or "to". "She was absorbed in the book" is correct, while "She was absorbed by the book" is not.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be absorbed in" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of being completely engrossed or immersed in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a strong focus of attention and energy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

27%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Unknown/unmatched sources

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be absorbed in" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing a state of deep engagement and immersion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. It's most frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia" sources, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. To ensure proper usage, remember that the correct preposition is "in", not "by", "with", or "to". Alternatives like "be engrossed in", "be immersed in", and "be captivated by" can add subtle nuances to your writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be absorbed in" to convey a sense of intense focus and captivation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be engrossed in

Similar meaning, but implies a slightly stronger level of mental engagement.

be immersed in

Emphasizes being surrounded or enveloped by something.

be captivated by

Implies being charmed or fascinated, adding an element of delight.

be preoccupied with

Suggests that something is taking up a large part of one's thoughts, sometimes to the exclusion of other things.

be focused on

Indicates a directed and intentional concentration.

be engaged in

Describes active participation or involvement.

be consumed by

Conveys an overwhelming and sometimes negative level of absorption.

be lost in

Suggests a complete detachment from one's surroundings.

be riveted by

Implies being held spellbound or intensely interested.

be attentive to

Focuses on careful observation and listening.

FAQs

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

Use "be absorbed in" to describe someone who is deeply engrossed or immersed in something. For example: "She was "be absorbed in" her work and didn't notice the time."

What's the difference between "be absorbed in" and "be engrossed in"?

While both phrases suggest deep focus, "be engrossed in" often implies a slightly more intense and complete mental engagement than "be absorbed in". They are largely interchangeable but "be engrossed in" may convey a stronger sense of captivation.

What are some alternatives to "be absorbed in"?

You can use alternatives like "be immersed in", "be captivated by", or "be preoccupied with" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "absorbed" can be used with "by" in different contexts (e.g., "The water was absorbed by the sponge"), to convey a sense of deep engagement or immersion, the correct preposition is "in". "Be absorbed in" is the standard and grammatically correct phrasing for this meaning.