can be consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be consuming" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that takes up a lot of time, energy, or resources, often in a way that is overwhelming or all-encompassing. Example: "The project can be consuming, requiring long hours and intense focus to meet the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This labor of empathy can be consuming.

The New Yorker

The impulse is natural, Rowand said, and it can be consuming.

The New York Times - Sports

Reduce the stress and the popcorn popping type thoughts that can be consuming.

Huffington Post

It's easy to get caught up in the moment when you're making preparations for prom -- worrying about every minor detail can be consuming for months leading up to the big night, and causes lots of unnecessary stress and anxiety.

Huffington Post

Engagement in this digital world can be consuming; a recent article in The New York Times, "Growing Up Digital, Wired for Distraction" describes a 14 year old student who "...sends and receives 27,000 texts in a month, her fingers clicking at a blistering pace as she carries on as many as seven text conversations at a time".

Huffington Post

Relationships can be consuming and overwhelming, and you sometimes lose sight of who you were and what you wanted before you met your significant other.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It can be very consuming.

The New York Times - Arts

Getting around It can be time consuming.

Independent

Being thrifty can be time consuming.

The Guardian

The due diligence process can be time consuming.

The Guardian

For municipalities, post-winter pothole repair can be more consuming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be consuming", consider the specific aspect you want to emphasize: time, energy, attention, or emotional toll. Choose synonyms that best reflect the intended meaning.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "can be consuming" may sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "takes a lot of time" or "is really intense" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be consuming" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a potential quality or characteristic of the subject, suggesting it might require substantial resources or attention. Ludwig provides various examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be consuming" is a grammatically sound and relatively frequent expression used to describe something with the potential to demand significant resources, time, or attention. Ludwig confirms its validity and provides real-world examples from sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for simpler alternatives in informal settings. Choosing the right synonyms will help you convey the specific aspect you want to emphasize. Its usage spans across various domains, including news media, science, and general informational content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be all-consuming

Emphasizes that something takes up all of one's attention or energy.

can be overwhelming

Replaces 'consuming' with 'overwhelming', focusing on the feeling of being burdened.

can be absorbing

Focuses on the way something can completely capture one's attention.

can be engrossing

Highlights the captivating and absorbing nature of something.

can be intensely engaging

Highlights the active involvement and focus the subject requires.

can demand a lot of attention

Highlights the attention required.

can take up a lot of time

Shifts the focus to the time investment required.

can require significant effort

Emphasizes the effort and energy needed.

can monopolize your thoughts

Explains the invasive attitude of the consuming element.

can dominate one's life

Shows extreme impact of the 'consuming' element

FAQs

What does "can be consuming" mean?

The phrase "can be consuming" means that something has the potential to take up a lot of your time, energy, or attention. It suggests that the activity or task might require significant focus and effort, potentially to the point of feeling overwhelming.

How can I use "can be consuming" in a sentence?

You can use "can be consuming" to describe an activity, task, or even a relationship. For example, "Managing a large project can be consuming" or "The grief process can be consuming."

What are some alternatives to "can be consuming"?

Alternatives include "can be overwhelming", "can be all-consuming", or "can take up a lot of time" depending on the specific context.

Is "can be consuming" formal or informal?

The phrase "can be consuming" leans towards the formal side. While usable in many contexts, consider simpler alternatives in very casual settings, like "it's really intense" or "it takes a lot of effort".