be obsessed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be obsessed with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone is very focused or preoccupied with something, for example: My teenage son is obsessed with graphic novels.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Let's not be obsessed with any.

Harvard University

'The ICA shouldn't be obsessed with celebrities.

The Guardian - Arts

"I used to be obsessed with the Waltons.

The New Yorker

Ridley seems to be obsessed with smoke and busts".

The New Yorker

"You've got to be obsessed with what you want.

The New Yorker

Perfectionists can be obsessed with not wanting to make mistakes.

Harvard Business Review

Big city firms seem to be obsessed with commercial awareness.

The Guardian

"I want them to be obsessed with Star Wars.

The Guardian - Tech

Charities seem to be obsessed with celebrating anniversaries.

The Guardian

Charities tend to be obsessed with other charities.

The Guardian

Americans tend to be obsessed with freedom and self-determination.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be obsessed with" to convey a strong enthusiasm or preoccupation, but be mindful of the context to ensure it doesn't imply an unhealthy or excessive focus.

Common error

Avoid using "be obsessed with" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral tone is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "be highly interested in" or "be deeply engaged with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be obsessed with" functions as a predicate adjective describing a subject's intense interest or preoccupation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct and widely used construction. Examples across various sources show its versatility in expressing strong enthusiasm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be obsessed with" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a strong interest or preoccupation with something. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility and wide usage, particularly in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts like wikis. While very common and generally acceptable, it's important to consider the formality of the context and adjust accordingly, perhaps using alternatives like "be engrossed in" or "be passionate about" for more formal writing. Overall, "be obsessed with" effectively conveys a high level of enthusiasm, but thoughtful application is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be passionate about

Suggests a deep and intense emotional connection to something, often a cause or belief.

be engrossed in

Focuses on being completely absorbed in something, suggesting deep concentration and enjoyment.

be preoccupied with

Focuses on being constantly thinking about something, often to the exclusion of other things.

be captivated by

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

be infatuated with

Implies a short-lived intense passion or admiration, often for another person.

be fixated on

Suggests an intense and sometimes unhealthy focus, often on a single detail or aspect.

be hung up on

Suggests an unhealthy or prolonged attachment to something, often from the past.

be consumed by

Indicates that something dominates one's thoughts and actions, often to a negative extent.

be enthusiastic about

Focuses on having positive feelings and eagerness towards a particular thing or activity.

be addicted to

Indicates a compulsive need for something, often with negative consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "be obsessed with" to describe a strong interest or preoccupation. For example, "She is "obsessed with" learning new languages".

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

You can use alternatives like "be engrossed in", "be captivated by", or "be passionate about" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "be obsessed with" in professional writing?

While "be obsessed with" is generally acceptable, it might be too informal for certain professional contexts. Consider using a more formal alternative like "be highly interested in".

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

"Be obsessed with" implies a stronger, more intense focus than "be interested in". While interest is a general feeling of curiosity or engagement, obsession suggests a dominating preoccupation.