became preoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "became preoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone focuses their attention or energy on something to an excessive degree. For example, "Alice quickly became preoccupied with her new hobby, spending every free moment tending to her garden."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Andrei became preoccupied with researching gun laws.

Independent

But it became preoccupied by bizarre intrigues over intelligence.

The Economist

In the 1980s feminism became preoccupied with "identity politics".

The Economist

But he became preoccupied with his "North and South" trilogy.

The New York Times - Arts

He became preoccupied with the idea of reviving the dishes known by past generations.

The New Yorker

As a doctor in training, he became preoccupied with the empire's weakness.

The New Yorker

During the 19th century, European reformers and governments became preoccupied with creating prudent citizens.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Multilateral officials have become preoccupied with this fragility.

The Economist

"People will become preoccupied with other issues," he wrote.

The New York Times

He had become preoccupied with government and corporate surveillance.

The New Yorker

A friend of ours has become preoccupied with people & their gardens.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "became preoccupied" to clearly indicate a shift in focus or attention towards a specific subject or concern. Ensure the context explains the reason for the preoccupation.

Common error

Avoid using "became preoccupied" when simply expressing a new interest. "Became preoccupied" implies a deeper, more absorbing focus than casual interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "became preoccupied" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shift in focus or attention towards a particular subject. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing a change in one's mental state or interest.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "became preoccupied" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that indicates a shift in focus or attention towards a particular subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is suitable for describing scenarios where someone develops a strong interest or concern, often due to external events or internal shifts. The phrase is versatile, fitting well in neutral registers, as evidenced by its prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While alternatives like "became absorbed in" or "became engrossed in" exist, "became preoccupied" holds its unique place in describing a mental shift that warrants careful consideration of context and intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became absorbed in

Focuses more on immersion and deep engagement.

became engrossed in

Implies a complete mental capture by something.

became consumed by

Suggests an all-encompassing focus, potentially negative.

became fixated on

Indicates an obsessive focus.

developed an interest in

More neutral, simply indicates a new focus.

started to dwell on

Focuses on repetitive thinking about something.

turned attention to

Implies a deliberate shift of focus.

found oneself thinking about

Suggests an involuntary shift in thought.

was captivated by

Implies being charmed or strongly attracted to something.

gave considerable thought to

Highlights the act of thinking deeply about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "became preoccupied" to describe when someone's focus shifts intensely to a particular subject. For example: "After the accident, he became preoccupied with safety regulations".

What's a good alternative to "became preoccupied"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "became absorbed in", "became engrossed in", or "became consumed by".

Is it correct to say "became preoccupied by" or "became preoccupied with"?

"Became preoccupied with" is the more common and grammatically sound construction. While "became preoccupied by" isn't incorrect, it's less frequently used.

What is the difference between "became preoccupied with" and "developed an interest in"?

"Became preoccupied with" suggests a deeper, more intense focus than simply "developed an interest in". Preoccupation implies a significant amount of thought and attention is being directed towards something.