become engrossed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become engrossed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone becomes deeply involved or absorbed in an activity or subject. Example: "As she read the novel, she began to become engrossed in the intricate plot and well-developed characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 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

About how he'd become engrossed in conspiracy sites.

The Guardian - Opinion

This site is lively and you can easily become engrossed in it.

The Guardian

People in the organization become engrossed in their personal objectives of holding onto their jobs.

Harvard Business Review

He did not want the Jets to become engrossed in the endless talk about playoff possibilities.

The New York Times - Sports

They also wondered if the modern multi-tasking adolescent had the patience to become engrossed in a long novel.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "become engrossed" to vividly describe a transition into a state of deep focus or absorption. It's particularly effective when highlighting the engaging quality of an activity or subject.

Common error

Avoid using "become engrossed" solely in passive constructions (e.g., "The students were become engrossed by the lecture"). Instead, actively show who or what is causing the engrossment for a more impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become engrossed" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective, describing a state of being. It typically connects a subject to the condition of being deeply involved or absorbed in something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "become engrossed" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe entering a state of deep focus or absorption. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use across various written contexts. It's most commonly found in news media, formal business communications, and academic works. While "become engrossed" is appropriate for formal and informal settings, overuse in passive constructions should be avoided for a more active and impactful tone. Alternatives such as "become absorbed" or "get wrapped up in" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. The high frequency and broad applicability of "become engrossed" make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become absorbed

Focuses more on the absorption aspect, less on initial entry into that state.

get wrapped up in

Implies a more casual and perhaps unintentional involvement.

immerse oneself in

Suggests a complete and deliberate submersion in something.

lose oneself in

Highlights the forgetting of oneself due to deep engagement.

be captivated by

Emphasizes the element of charm or fascination that draws one in.

be enthralled by

Conveys a sense of being held spellbound or fascinated.

be preoccupied with

Suggests a dominance of thought or concern, potentially less voluntary.

be consumed by

Indicates an all-encompassing involvement that leaves little room for other things.

be fascinated by

Highlights the element of strong interest and attraction.

develop a passion for

Suggests a long-term and enthusiastic commitment.

FAQs

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

You can use "become engrossed" to describe someone deeply involved or absorbed in something. For instance, "She "became engrossed in the book"" or "They "became engrossed in the discussion"".

What are some alternatives to "become engrossed"?

Alternatives include "become absorbed", "get wrapped up in", or "immerse oneself in". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "become engrossed in" or "become engrossed with"?

"Become engrossed in" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing. While "become engrossed with" isn't necessarily incorrect, it's far less frequently used.

What's the difference between "become engrossed" and "become obsessed"?

"Become engrossed" implies a deep involvement and focus, often enjoyable. "Become obsessed", on the other hand, suggests an excessive and potentially unhealthy preoccupation with something. The intensity and potential negativity are key differences.