been a constant preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been a constant preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has consistently occupied someone's thoughts or attention over a period of time. Example: "The issue of climate change has been a constant preoccupation for scientists and policymakers alike."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The transition from a common episode of acute pain to a state of intermittent or chronic pain has been a constant preoccupation of researchers and clinicians alike.

Behaviour Research and Therapy

The attention towards mathematics teacher education and professional development has been a constant preoccupation of ICMI.

International Journal of STEM Education

And defending the correctness of moral judgments on non-ontological grounds has been a constant preoccupation of antirealism (Hare 1952, 1963, 1981; Wright 1992, 6 ff).. Of course, in contrast to antirealists, Kantian constructivists do not see their conception of objectivity as weak or minimalist, because it appeals to the underivative authority of reason (O'Neill 1989).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Death was a constant preoccupation in Vonnegut's work.

Cornell University

His homeland's ambiguous geo-politics is a constant preoccupation for Taiwanese film-makers.

The Guardian

DEATH is a constant preoccupation in the novel, particularly various forms of mercy killing.

The New York Times - Books

Are you scaling your audience?" 88rising's fans are a constant preoccupation of Mi­­ya­shiro's.

The New Yorker

It is a constant preoccupation with something that is stronger than myself and stronger than many of us".

The New York Times - Arts

But he was a man with many anxieties, and death was a constant preoccupation, both philosophically and personally.

The Guardian

Guarding against a return to the ruinous price-wage spirals of the 1970s was a constant preoccupation.

The Economist

The supernatural was part of everyday experience, so there are endless occasions for ritual and divination, to figure out what forces were in play at any given time, was a constant preoccupation.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been a constant preoccupation" to emphasize the enduring nature of someone's focus or concern. It's effective when describing long-term trends or recurring issues.

Common error

Avoid using "been a constant preoccupation" to describe short-lived or temporary interests. This phrase is best reserved for issues or topics that have consistently demanded attention over a significant period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been a constant preoccupation" functions as a predicate nominative, describing a subject's enduring focus or concern. As shown in Ludwig, it connects a subject with a state of persistent attention.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "been a constant preoccupation" is a phrase used to describe something that has consistently occupied someone's thoughts or attention over a period of time. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various reputable sources such as news, science, and academic publications. While alternatives like "remained a persistent concern" or "has been an ongoing focus" exist, the original phrase effectively emphasizes the enduring nature of the focus. When writing, reserve this phrase for issues that have demanded sustained attention, avoiding its use for temporary or fleeting interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained a persistent concern

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the concern, highlighting its continuation over time.

has been an ongoing focus

Highlights the continuous attention and concentration directed towards something.

has been a recurring theme

Suggests that the subject appears repeatedly and prominently in discussions or considerations.

has been a standing issue

Implies the matter has been a problem or subject of discussion for an extended duration.

has been a continuous worry

Highlights the ongoing anxiety or concern associated with something.

has been a sustained interest

Focuses on the enduring attention and curiosity directed towards a particular subject.

has been a central concern

Emphasizes the critical importance and significance of the subject matter.

has been a regular consideration

Indicates that the subject is frequently taken into account or deliberated upon.

has been a permanent fixture

Suggests the subject has become an established and enduring element.

has been a lasting fixation

Implies an enduring and intense focus or obsession with the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "been a constant preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "been a constant preoccupation" to describe something that someone has consistently thought about or focused on, such as "Climate change has "been a constant preoccupation" for environmental scientists".

What are some alternatives to "been a constant preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "remained a persistent concern", "has been an ongoing focus", or "has been a recurring theme" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "been a constant preoccupation" or "a constant preoccupation"?

"Been a constant preoccupation" is used to emphasize a continuous state or action over time, whereas "a constant preoccupation" refers to a general state of being constantly preoccupied. The former is often more emphatic.

What's the difference between "been a constant preoccupation" and "a major preoccupation"?

"Been a constant preoccupation" suggests an ongoing, sustained focus over a period, while "a major preoccupation" indicates that something is currently of great importance or concern, without necessarily implying it has always been so.