been obsessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been obsessed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a feeling or condition that has persisted for a certain amount of time. For example: - She had been obsessed with finding the perfect dress for weeks. - The team had been obsessed with winning the championship for years. - He had been obsessed with becoming a successful artist since he was a child.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've been obsessed ever since".

The New York Times

Lazar has always been obsessed by class.

The New Yorker

It has been obsessed with reason.

The Economist

ECONOMISTS have long been obsessed with signals.

The Economist

I've been obsessed with them.

The New York Times

"I've always been obsessed by beef jerky.

Independent

So I've always been obsessed with them.

The New York Times

I've always been obsessed with makeup, though.

The New York Times

"He would have been obsessed with her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I've always been obsessed with the jungle.

The Guardian

He has always been obsessed with black.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in a formal style, consider using a synonym like "preoccupied with" or "enthralled by" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "been obsessed" in formal or academic writing where a more nuanced or professional term might be more appropriate. Options such as "deeply interested", "extensively researched", or "dedicated to" can convey similar meanings with greater precision and formality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been obsessed" functions as part of a verb phrase, typically used in the present perfect or past perfect tenses. It modifies a subject by describing a sustained state of intense preoccupation or enthusiasm towards a particular object, idea, or activity. Ludwig provides various examples showing its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been obsessed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that expresses a sustained, intense preoccupation or enthusiasm. According to Ludwig, it is acceptable for use in written English. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its usage is versatile enough for general communication. For more formal writing, synonyms such as "deeply interested" or "extensively researched" might be more appropriate. As Ludwig shows, numerous examples demonstrate its widespread application, highlighting its relevance and clarity in conveying strong, persistent interests.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been consumed by

Uses "consumed" to emphasize the all-encompassing nature of the preoccupation.

have been preoccupied with

Highlights the state of being mentally focused on something to the exclusion of other things.

have been fixated on

Indicates an unwavering and often intense focus on a particular subject.

have been captivated by

Implies a strong attraction and interest, suggesting a more passive form of obsession.

have been fascinated with

Emphasizes the intriguing or alluring quality of the object of obsession.

have been engrossed in

Focuses on being deeply involved or absorbed in something.

have been enthralled by

Suggests a feeling of being spellbound or charmed by something.

have been immersed in

Highlights the depth of involvement and absorption in a particular activity or subject.

have been hung up on

Suggests a less healthy or more persistent preoccupation, often with a negative connotation.

have had a passion for

Implies a strong and enduring enthusiasm or love for something.

FAQs

How can I use "been obsessed" in a sentence?

You can use "been obsessed" to describe a prolonged state of intense interest or preoccupation. For example, "She has "been obsessed with" that show for weeks" or "He had "been obsessed with" coding since he was a child".

What are some alternatives to "been obsessed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "captivated by", "fascinated with", "preoccupied with", or "enthralled by" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "been obsessed" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "been obsessed" might be considered too informal for some formal writing contexts. In such cases, consider more refined alternatives like "deeply interested in" or "extensively researched".

What's the difference between "been obsessed" and "was obsessed"?

"Been obsessed" implies a state that started in the past and continues to the present or has relevance to the present, while "was obsessed" refers to a state that occurred in the past and may no longer be true. For example, "I have "been obsessed" with her since I met her" suggests the obsession continues, whereas "I "was obsessed" with her in high school" implies it no longer persists.