constant preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "constant preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a persistent or ongoing concern or thought that occupies someone's mind. Example: "Her constant preoccupation with work often led her to neglect her personal life."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

Cornell University

The New York Times - Books

The Guardian

The New York Times - Magazine

The New Yorker

The Economist

The New York Times

The Guardian - Opinion

Behaviour Research and Therapy

International Journal of STEM Education

BMC Medical Ethics

WikiHow

The New York Times - Arts

BMC Medical Ethics

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Deciphering hieroglyphs became his constant preoccupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Death was a constant preoccupation in Vonnegut's work.

Cornell University

Throughout the novel, food is an almost constant preoccupation.

The New York Times - Books

His homeland's ambiguous geo-politics is a constant preoccupation for Taiwanese film-makers.

The Guardian

DEATH is a constant preoccupation in the novel, particularly various forms of mercy killing.

The New York Times - Books

And this would be your constant preoccupation even if you were eventually exonerated -- perhaps especially then.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Gail: That leads me to one of my constant preoccupations: the way this country is organized to disenfranchise urban voters and empower people from rural areas.

The New York Times

They faced many problems and hazards, not least the constant preoccupations with the professional and artistic ethics of reconstructing battle sequences.

The Guardian - Books

In today's global economy, where personal networking, reputation management and corporate social responsibility are constant preoccupations, charitable giving is more useful than ever.

The Guardian - Books

The reality for most writers, male and female, is that money - and the space and time it buys - is a constant, nagging preoccupation.

The Guardian - Books

There is a strong focus of the impermanence of life; death and mortality are a constant presence and preoccupation for civilian and soldier alike, and repetition – of stories, events and deaths – used to give "the impression of lives trapped in an endless war" for which there is no end in sight.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "constant preoccupation" to clearly convey that a particular thought, concern, or activity is a persistent and dominant feature in someone's mind or life. It effectively communicates the idea of something being continually present in one's thoughts.

Common error

While "constant preoccupation" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in very casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or intense. In such cases, consider using simpler alternatives like "always thinking about" or "often concerned with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constant preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state of mind where someone is continually thinking about or concerned with something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both grammatically sound and readily usable in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

16%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "constant preoccupation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that effectively describes a persistent and dominant thought or concern. Ludwig AI indicates that it fits well in many contexts. It's particularly suitable for formal writing but may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Remember to consider simpler alternatives in informal settings and be mindful of the intensity the phrase conveys. When writing, keep in mind that it is most frequently found within News & Media, Encyclopedia or Academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent preoccupation

Replaces 'constant' with 'persistent', emphasizing the enduring nature of the preoccupation.

ongoing preoccupation

Substitutes 'constant' with 'ongoing', highlighting the continuous nature of the preoccupation.

perpetual preoccupation

Uses 'perpetual' instead of 'constant', suggesting an unending or habitual preoccupation.

abiding concern

Replaces the entire phrase with 'abiding concern', focusing on the worry or interest aspect.

enduring focus

Substitutes 'preoccupation' with 'focus', shifting the emphasis to attention rather than worry.

sustained interest

Uses 'sustained interest' to describe a continuing and prolonged focus.

consuming thought

Replaces 'preoccupation' with 'thought', indicating that the thought is all-encompassing.

obsessive concern

Highlights the compulsive aspect of the preoccupation by using 'obsessive'.

fixed idea

Emphasizes the rigid and unyielding nature of the preoccupation.

ruling passion

Indicates that the preoccupation is a dominant force driving behavior and thought.

FAQs

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

You can use "constant preoccupation" to describe something someone thinks about or worries about frequently. For instance, "His constant preoccupation with his health made him visit the doctor often".

What are some alternatives to "constant preoccupation"?

Some alternatives include "persistent preoccupation", "ongoing preoccupation", or "abiding concern". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "constant preoccupation" and "obsessive preoccupation"?

"Constant preoccupation" implies a frequent or continuous focus, while "obsessive preoccupation" suggests a compulsive and often irrational focus. Obsessive preoccupation is a more intense and potentially negative condition.

When is it appropriate to use "constant preoccupation" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "constant preoccupation" in formal writing or when you want to emphasize the persistent and dominant nature of someone's thoughts or concerns. It's suitable for academic papers, news articles, and professional reports.