biggest preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "biggest preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the most significant concern or worry someone has at a given time. Example: "Her biggest preoccupation is finding a balance between work and family life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Today activism is mainstream and arguably the biggest preoccupation of American boardrooms.

The Economist

But his biggest preoccupation was Northern Ireland, to which he dispatched British troops in August 1969.

The Guardian

She said her biggest preoccupation had been her huge LED-lit gown created by the celebrated costume designer Sandy Powell.

The Guardian - Film

The announcement was not the only news in what has become the biggest preoccupation of local and state health officials this summer.

The New York Times

Mr. Wilson plays her brother, Aurelio, a slacker whose biggest preoccupation is whether to travel around the world from west to east, or in the opposite direction.

The New York Times

They faded from prominence after a series of scandals and the collapse of the junk-bond market in the late 1980s.Today activism is mainstream and arguably the biggest preoccupation of America's boardrooms.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In recent years, one of Suleiman's biggest preoccupations has been dealing with the volatile Palestinian file, mediating between the western-backed Fatah movement and the Islamists of Hamas – a group with special resonance in Egypt because of its control of the Gaza Strip and its links to the Muslim Brotherhood.

The Guardian

In recent years one of Suleiman's biggest preoccupations has been dealing with the volatile Palestinian file, mediating between the western-backed Fatah movement and the Islamists of Hamas – a group with special resonance in Egypt because of its control of the Gaza Strip and its links to the banned Muslim Brotherhood, which he is said to loathe.

The Guardian

Their stilted, patrician delivery is from another age, yet some of these urban planners' and politicians' biggest preoccupations - notably with dirt, disorder and decency - and their near-utopian belief that a better, fairer city could be engineered on drawing boards and delivered from the top down finds an echo in much modern regeneration thinking.

The Guardian

For now, Daunt has a bigger preoccupation.

The Guardian - Books

His bigger preoccupation is a different sort of legitimacy.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "biggest preoccupation", ensure the context clearly establishes whose preoccupation you are referring to. Providing specific examples or details can make the statement more impactful and less vague.

Common error

Avoid using "biggest preoccupation" without providing context or specific examples. This can lead to misunderstandings or a lack of impact in your writing. Instead, clarify what specifically is causing the preoccupation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "biggest preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses a state of being principally concerned or absorbed in something. The phrase effectively pinpoints the most dominant focus of attention or concern within a given context, akin to examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "biggest preoccupation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote the foremost concern or focus. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's acceptable for use in written English, although its frequency is uncommon. The phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When employing "biggest preoccupation", ensure clarity by specifying whose concern is being addressed and what the nature of that concern entails. Consider related phrases like "main concern" or "primary focus" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main concern

Focuses on the primary worry or interest.

primary focus

Highlights the central point of attention.

chief concern

Emphasizes the highest-level worry.

major worry

Underscores the significant anxiety.

principal concern

Highlights the foremost source of anxiety.

top priority

Indicates the most important task.

overriding concern

Highlights the most dominant anxiety.

central interest

Emphasizes the core subject of fascination.

dominant thought

Focuses on the most prevalent idea.

consuming passion

Highlights the all-encompassing drive.

FAQs

How can I use "biggest preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "biggest preoccupation" to describe the main concern or focus of someone or something. For example: "His biggest preoccupation was finishing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "biggest preoccupation"?

Alternatives include "main concern", "primary focus", or "chief concern", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "one of my biggest preoccupations"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "one of my biggest preoccupations" to indicate that it is one of several significant concerns.

What is the difference between "biggest preoccupation" and "obsession"?

While both relate to a central focus, "biggest preoccupation" implies a concern or worry, whereas "obsession" suggests an irrational or compulsive focus. Therefore, "obsession" is a stronger term.