be engrossed in

USAGE SUMMARY

"be engrossed in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a state of being deeply involved in something. For example, "She was so engrossed in her book that she didn't notice the noise outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

You can't be engrossed in other things.

The Guardian - Sport

Sometimes they frown and pretend to be engrossed in the newspaper.

The New York Times

"It's very easy to be engrossed in the technical details, but not the flavor, or vice versa.

The New York Times - Arts

The paper also reports on the findings of a study of the Snark game and discusses what it means to be engrossed in playful learning.

Interacting with Computers

Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur A few miles north of Wembley, 60,000 Londoners will be engrossed in their own pitched battle, the ages-old North London derby.

The New York Times - Sports

Larry B. Seabrook, a state senator in the Bronx, seems to be engrossed in his plans to oppose an incumbent congressman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They were engrossed in each other.

The New Yorker

Skipper was engrossed in one of them.

The New Yorker

People are engrossed in their own games.

The New York Times - Sports

Usually when we are engrossed in something really interesting.

Stanford University

But not all his friends are engrossed in campus life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be engrossed in" to vividly describe a state of deep mental absorption, making your writing more engaging and relatable. It is especially effective when illustrating a character's focus or a person's captivated attention.

Common error

Avoid using prepositions other than "in" after "engrossed". While other prepositions might seem fitting, "engrossed in" is the idiomatic and grammatically correct form. For example, avoid saying "engrossed by" or "engrossed with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be engrossed in" functions as a compound verb phrase describing a state of deep mental absorption or involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples show it effectively illustrates a subject's focused attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be engrossed in" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of deep absorption or involvement, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news and media, academic writing, and general conversation, indicating its broad applicability. Remember to use "in" as the preposition and consider related phrases like ""be absorbed in"" or ""be immersed in"" for subtle variations in meaning. By using "be engrossed in" correctly, you can effectively convey a sense of deep focus and captivation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be absorbed in

Focuses on the state of being completely occupied mentally.

be immersed in

Suggests a deeper level of involvement, almost like being surrounded by something.

be captivated by

Implies being charmed or fascinated, often by something visually or aesthetically pleasing.

be preoccupied with

Suggests that one's thoughts are mainly filled with something, sometimes to the exclusion of other things.

be focused on

Highlights the act of directing one's attention to something specific.

be riveted by

Implies being completely fixated, unable to look away.

be consumed by

Suggests an overwhelming level of involvement, where something dominates one's thoughts and actions.

be deeply involved in

Emphasizes active participation and engagement.

lose oneself in

Highlights the feeling of detachment from one's surroundings.

be wrapped up in

Indicates a state of being comfortably and completely occupied.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be engrossed in" is used to describe someone who is completely absorbed or occupied by something. For instance, "She was so "engrossed in" her book that she didn't notice the phone ringing."

What's a good alternative to "be engrossed in"?

Alternatives include "be absorbed in", "be immersed in", or "be captivated by", each conveying a slightly different nuance of deep engagement.

Is it correct to say "be engrossed with" instead of "be engrossed in"?

No, the correct idiomatic expression is "be engrossed in". Using "with" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What is the difference between "be engrossed in" and "be interested in"?

"Be engrossed in" suggests a deeper level of absorption and involvement than "be interested in". While being interested implies a general curiosity or liking, being engrossed implies a complete mental occupation.