completely engrossed

USAGE SUMMARY

"completely engrossed" is a correct and usable term in written English.
You can use it to describe a person whose attention is fully focused on a particular task or activity. For example, "She was completely engrossed in her work and didn't notice anyone enter the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

They're completely engrossed in their work and don't look up.

The New Yorker

He was too busy watching something on television, leaning forward, completely engrossed.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm completely engrossed in making my body return a Ping-Pong ball in a way that makes my opponent miss.

The New York Times

I lay there completely engrossed in the sound this man could make and it brought tears to my eyes.

The Guardian - Music

I have seen children that wouldn't usually choose reading as a way to pass the time become completely engrossed in these books.

The Guardian - Books

It's heartwarming to see them completely engrossed by fiction, and to see the pleasure of reading being passed from one generation to another.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

But then you notice, there's always some kid, my son, completely there for it, totally engrossed.

Independent

But even if "perfection" is completely relative in the end, what is impossible is not becoming entirely engrossed in Ball's 3D-scanned sculptures - whether or not you think he hit the mark.

Vice

He is wholly engrossed.

Independent

A subject has entirely engrossed them.

The New York Times

I was totally engrossed in it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "completely engrossed" to vividly describe a state of deep focus or absorption, making sure the context clearly indicates what the subject is engrossed in. For example, "She was completely engrossed in the novel, oblivious to the noise around her."

Common error

Avoid using "completely engrossed" when the context suggests mere interest or mild engagement. The phrase implies a significant degree of absorption; reserve it for situations where attention is fully and intensely captured.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "completely engrossed" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being deeply absorbed or intensely focused. As noted by Ludwig, it indicates a strong level of engagement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "completely engrossed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that vividly describes a state of deep absorption or intense focus. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's commonly found in news media and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "totally absorbed" or "deeply immersed" exist, "completely engrossed" effectively conveys a high degree of engagement. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize someone's undivided attention and be careful not to overuse this expression. As a final consideration, it is a valid and understandable expression to leverage within communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

totally absorbed

Emphasizes the state of being fully taken in by something, focusing on internal experience.

deeply immersed

Suggests a profound level of engagement, often implying a sense of being surrounded or enveloped.

utterly captivated

Highlights the enchanting or fascinating quality of what holds the attention.

entirely preoccupied

Focuses on the mental state of being fully occupied with thoughts or concerns.

wholly consumed

Implies a sense of being dominated or overwhelmed by something.

lost in thought

Indicates a state of inward focus and detachment from the external world.

rapt in attention

Highlights the intensity and focus of one's concentration.

fascinated by

Stresses the attractive and engaging nature of the object of attention.

riveted to the spot

Suggests being unable to move due to intense interest or amazement.

completely focused

Emphasizes singular concentration without distractions, highlighting a state of peak attention.

FAQs

How can I use "completely engrossed" in a sentence?

You can use "completely engrossed" to describe someone who is deeply absorbed or focused on something, such as "He was completely engrossed in his work" or "The children were completely engrossed in the movie".

What are some alternatives to "completely engrossed"?

Some alternatives include "totally absorbed", "deeply immersed", or "utterly captivated", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "completely engrossed"?

While "engrossed" already implies a high degree of absorption, using "completely" can add emphasis, highlighting an even deeper state of focus. However, be mindful not to overuse it, as it can sometimes sound excessive.

What's the difference between "completely engrossed" and "interested in"?

"Completely engrossed" indicates a state of deep absorption and focused attention, while "interested in" simply means having a curiosity or liking for something. Someone "completely engrossed" is actively and intensely engaged, whereas someone "interested in" may only have a passing curiosity.