borders on obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "borders on obsession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone's interest or behavior is very close to being obsessive. Example: "Her dedication to the project borders on obsession, as she spends every waking hour working on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

And their love borders on obsession.

The New York Times - Travel

And a chef who collects them with a fervor that borders on obsession.

The New York Times - Food

They all share an enthusiasm for chess that borders on obsession.

The New York Times

In Malaysia, the interest borders on obsession and club rivalries are almost as fierce as on the terraces of faraway English grounds.

Independent

But like many driven men in their seventh decade, he has settled on a pastime that now borders on obsession: golf.

The New York Times

But for quarterbacks, who touch the ball on nearly every offensive play of the season, the feel of the ball generates a level of concern that in some cases borders on obsession.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Considering the hours he puts into even the smallest pictures, which are just a few inches tall and wide, this means a persistence bordering on obsession, and one always feels the claustrophobia and passage of time in the work.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Hart's earlier show, "Shells," which she wrote with Nick Chase, involved the love life of a character named Michelle Hoffman, a self-absorbed woman whose preoccupation with one particular date she had bordered on obsession.

The New York Times

And although there were many initial responses, one of the most memorable was my need, bordering on obsession, to become a collector (perhaps even hoarder) of all my father's stuff.

Huffington Post

His interest in Buffalo can appear to border on obsession.

The New York Times

For some, that fandom may well be bordering on obsession.

The Guardian - Games

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "borders on obsession" to vividly describe interests or behaviors that are intense but not clinically obsessive. This phrase is effective for conveying strong enthusiasm without implying a psychological disorder.

Common error

While "borders on obsession" is a useful phrase, overuse can diminish its impact. Vary your language by using synonyms like "verges on obsession" or "approaches obsession" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "borders on obsession" functions as a modifier, indicating the intensity of a feeling, interest, or behavior. It suggests that something is approaching the extreme level of being an obsession, but hasn't fully crossed that threshold. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "borders on obsession" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe strong interests or behaviors without implying a clinical condition. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, conveying intense enthusiasm or dedication. Related phrases like "verges on obsession" and "approaches obsession" offer subtle variations in meaning, while overusing the phrase can diminish its impact. To enhance clarity, consider the context and choose the most precise alternative to keep writing engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

verges on obsession

This alternative is nearly synonymous, suggesting a slight inclination towards obsession.

approaches obsession

Suggests a movement toward obsession, implying a gradual process.

nears obsession

Similar to approaches, but can indicate being in close proximity to obsession.

is close to being an obsession

A more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the proximity to a state of obsession.

reaches the point of obsession

Highlights the culmination of a process, resulting in near-obsession.

tends toward obsession

Indicates a predisposition or inclination towards becoming an obsession.

inclines toward obsession

Similar to tends toward, but can suggest a weaker pull or influence.

verges on mania

This alternative suggests the action is almost at the point of mania.

hints at obsession

Indicates a subtle suggestion of obsession without fully committing to the idea.

smacks of obsession

This alternative suggests the action reminds someone of obsession.

FAQs

How can I use "borders on obsession" in a sentence?

You can use "borders on obsession" to describe a strong interest or dedication. For example, "Her dedication to environmental conservation "borders on obsession", as she dedicates all her free time to it."

What's a more formal alternative to "borders on obsession"?

A more formal alternative could be "verges on mania". This maintains a similar meaning but might be more suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Is "bordering on obsession" grammatically different from "borders on obsession"?

"Bordering on obsession" is a gerund phrase, while "borders on obsession" uses the verb "border" in the present tense. Both are correct, but "bordering on obsession" often modifies a noun, whereas ""borders on obsession"" describes an action or state.

When should I use ""approaches obsession"" instead of "borders on obsession"?

Use ""approaches obsession"" when you want to emphasize the gradual progression towards an obsessive state, rather than highlighting the current state of being near obsession. It suggests a continuing movement.