became engrossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became engrossed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has become so immersed in an activity or subject that they can no longer focus on anything else. For example, "John became engrossed in his work, so much so that he didn't hear the phone ringing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The band became engrossed, and cut a demo.

Independent

Dad became engrossed in his book, which he was holding upside down.

Independent

After a trip to Europe, Jill became engrossed in fighting a local highway construction scandal.

The New Yorker

To cope, James became engrossed in a hobby: attempting to revive the Ann Arbor Blues Festival.

Harvard Business Review

When they were given a military exercise to run, they became engrossed.

The New York Times - Magazine

We are not native Long Islanders, and we became engrossed in the topic.

The New York Times

I started reading it on the flight over and soon became engrossed.

The Guardian - Books

I became engrossed, then lost and upset, and finally deeply moved.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

First, gamblers become engrossed in gambling.

The Guardian

I initially become engrossed with their beautiful track 'Hollow Cage'.

The Guardian

They become engrossed in the world around them.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became engrossed" to describe a state of deep mental absorption, particularly when someone's interest is captured and they lose track of their surroundings or time. Ensure the context clearly identifies what the person is engrossed in.

Common error

Avoid using "became engrossed" without specifying what the subject is engrossed in. Always clarify the object of their absorption to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "He became engrossed", write "He became engrossed in the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became engrossed" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a transition into a state of deep absorption or involvement. Ludwig showcases its usage in various contexts, describing how individuals direct their focus and attention.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "became engrossed" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of deep absorption or involvement. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples from reputable sources, primarily news and media outlets, highlighting its versatility and broad applicability. While synonyms like "became absorbed" or "became fascinated" exist, "became engrossed" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various writing styles. It's crucial to specify what the subject is engrossed in to avoid ambiguity. Therefore, using "became engrossed" effectively enhances clarity and provides a vivid depiction of a person's captivated attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became absorbed

Emphasizes complete mental or emotional absorption, similar to "became engrossed" but slightly more focused on internal experience.

became absorbed in

Adds the preposition "in" to explicitly state what the subject is engrossed by.

became immersed

Highlights being deeply involved or surrounded by something, akin to "became engrossed" but with a stronger sense of being enveloped.

became captivated

Suggests being charmed or fascinated to the point of losing focus on other things, implying a strong positive attraction.

became fascinated

Similar to "became engrossed" but emphasizes intellectual or aesthetic appeal.

became deeply involved in

Emphasizes active participation and engagement, offering a more descriptive alternative.

became preoccupied

Implies being overly concerned or focused on something, often to the exclusion of other matters; may carry a slightly negative connotation.

found oneself absorbed

Highlights the feeling of unexpectedly becoming absorbed, implying a passive transition into a state of engrossment.

became riveted

Indicates being completely fixed or focused on something, often due to its excitement or suspense.

became consumed

Suggests being completely taken over or dominated by something, carrying a stronger sense of intensity than "became engrossed".

FAQs

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

You can use "became engrossed" to describe someone who has become deeply absorbed or involved in something. For example, "She "became engrossed" in the movie and forgot about her worries".

What are some alternatives to "became engrossed"?

Alternatives to "became engrossed" include "became absorbed", "became immersed", and "became fascinated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "became engrossed by" instead of "became engrossed in"?

While "became engrossed by" is not grammatically incorrect, "became engrossed in" is much more common and natural-sounding. It's generally preferable to use "became engrossed in".

What's the difference between "became engrossed" and "became interested"?

"Became interested" suggests a starting point of curiosity, while "became engrossed" implies a deeper level of involvement and absorption. Someone might "become interested" in a topic and then "became engrossed" in studying it.