be preoccupied with

USAGE SUMMARY

"be preoccupied with" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to be constantly thinking or worrying about something. You can use it to describe someone who is completely focused on a particular thought or task. Example: She was preoccupied with her upcoming presentation and couldn't focus on anything else.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A strange thing to be preoccupied with".

The New York Times - Books

To be preoccupied with equality under such circumstances is to be preoccupied with a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times - Books

It is not Toomer's style to be preoccupied with milestones.

The New York Times - Sports

Her top tip was: "Don't be preoccupied with proving yourself.

The New York Times

He no longer wanted the Catholic hierarchy to be preoccupied with "small-minded rules".

The Guardian - Opinion

As a psychoanalyst, I tend not to be preoccupied with diagnostic criteria.

The New York Times

We are both quite private people, who tend to be preoccupied with our own work.

The Guardian - Music

We believed that He must be preoccupied with our daily lives and existence.

The Guardian

Burke informed the group the public could be preoccupied with unexpected things.

The Guardian

Meantime, we will stand poised to shoot the liberated lion, and let monkeys be preoccupied with fleas.

The New Yorker

They claimed to be preoccupied with getting themselves in shape and healthy, which they said they accomplished.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing the phrase in close proximity within your writing; vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "be preoccupied with" when a milder term like "interested in" or "focused on" would more accurately reflect the level of engagement. Overstating the preoccupation can create a melodramatic or inaccurate portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be preoccupied with" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being absorbed or engrossed in something. It describes the subject's mental state, implying that their thoughts are largely focused on a particular topic. Ludwig's examples illustrate its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be preoccupied with" is a versatile phrase used to describe a state of intense focus or concern. As Ludwig AI accurately confirms, it is grammatically sound and common in written English. Its frequency across news, scientific, and general contexts highlights its broad applicability. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to consider the context to ensure that it accurately reflects the degree of engagement you wish to convey. Related phrases, such as "be absorbed in" or "be engrossed in", can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be absorbed in

Focuses on the state of being deeply engrossed in something, suggesting complete attention.

be engrossed in

Highlights a state of being completely occupied by something, to the exclusion of other things.

be immersed in

Emphasizes a deep involvement or engagement with something, almost like being surrounded by it.

be wrapped up in

Similar to "be absorbed in", suggesting complete involvement and focus.

be fixated on

Implies an obsessive focus on something, potentially to an unhealthy degree.

be obsessed with

Suggests an extreme and often irrational level of preoccupation.

be consumed by

Indicates that something is dominating one's thoughts and actions.

be riveted by

Highlights the captivating nature of something that holds one's complete attention.

be hung up on

Suggests an emotional attachment to something, often causing distress or difficulty in moving on.

dwell on

Focuses on continuously thinking or talking about something, especially something negative.

FAQs

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

You can use "be preoccupied with" to describe someone who is constantly thinking about something. For example: "She was "be preoccupied with" her upcoming exam."

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

You can use alternatives like "be absorbed in", "be focused on", or "be engrossed in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "became preoccupied with"?

Yes, "became preoccupied with" is a correct and common usage. It indicates a transition into a state of preoccupation. For example: "He "became preoccupied with" the project after the deadline was announced."

What is the difference between "be concerned with" and "be preoccupied with"?

"Be concerned with" implies a worry or interest, whereas ""be preoccupied with"" suggests a more intense and dominating focus or worry. The level of attention and worry is higher in "preoccupied" than in "concerned".