be consumed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be consumed with' is correct and can be used in written English.
It's used to describe the feeling of being intensely focused on or preoccupied with something. For example: "She had been consumed with thoughts of her upcoming presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The George W. Bush team must be consumed with envy.

The New York Times

"Too much is at stake for us to be consumed with these issues".

The New York Times

Whoever possesses it will be consumed with care, whoever lacks it will be gnawed by envy!

The New Yorker

Kobe can be consumed with surprising anger, which he's displayed toward me and his teammates".

The New Yorker

After all, books and trailers can be consumed with relative privacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

It could be consumed with the hands, without drippings or squirts.

The New Yorker

The EU will be consumed with panic about its very existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be easy to be consumed with anger, and I am.

The New York Times

The corpse must be quickly buried again, or be consumed with his murder unsolved.

The New York Times

Italy is burning, and the rest of the euro area could be consumed with it.

The Economist

"He is not someone to be consumed with the minutiae of administering".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be consumed with" to vividly portray a character's or entity's overwhelming focus or preoccupation with a particular subject or feeling. This phrase adds depth and intensity to your writing, making it more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "be consumed with" in situations where a milder degree of interest or involvement is more appropriate. Reserve this phrase for contexts where the intensity of the focus or feeling is truly significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be consumed with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being completely engrossed, preoccupied, or overwhelmed by a particular thought, emotion, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be consumed with" is a versatile and frequently used expression to describe a state of intense focus, preoccupation, or emotional overwhelm. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and high frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While grammatically sound, it's essential to use it judiciously, reserving it for situations where the intensity of the focus or feeling is genuinely significant. Alternatives like "be preoccupied with" or "be engrossed in" may be more appropriate in milder contexts. By understanding its nuances and potential pitfalls, you can effectively wield "be consumed with" to enhance the impact and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be preoccupied with

Emphasizes mental absorption and focus on a particular subject or concern.

be engrossed in

Suggests a state of deep immersion and absorption, often in an activity or thought.

be absorbed in

Similar to engrossed, highlighting a complete focus that excludes other distractions.

be obsessed with

Implies an excessive and often irrational preoccupation.

be immersed in

Suggests being deeply involved or surrounded by something.

be fixated on

Highlights an unwavering and often intense focus on a specific subject.

be overwhelmed by

Indicates being overpowered by emotions or circumstances.

be steeped in

Signifies being saturated or deeply influenced by something, often an idea or atmosphere.

be caught up in

Suggests being involved in something to the extent that it dominates one's attention.

be ruled by

Indicates being controlled or dominated by a particular emotion or desire.

FAQs

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

You can use "be consumed with" to describe someone who is completely engrossed or preoccupied with something. For example: "She was "preoccupied with" thoughts of the upcoming event."

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

You can use alternatives like "be preoccupied with", "be engrossed in", or "be obsessed with" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be consumed with" or "become consumed with"?

"Be consumed with" and "become consumed with" are both grammatically correct. "Become consumed with" /s/become+consumed+with suggests a gradual process of being overwhelmed, while "be consumed with" implies a current state.

What's the difference between "be consumed with" and "be obsessed with"?

"Be consumed with" suggests a deep absorption or preoccupation, whereas "be obsessed with" implies a more intense, often irrational, and potentially unhealthy preoccupation.