consumed with

USAGE SUMMARY

"consumed with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is preoccupied or obsessed with a certain activity, thought, or feeling. Example: He became consumed with the idea of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"He was consumed with winning".

The New York Times - Sports

Germont is consumed with remorse.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most people seemed consumed with everyday work.

The New Yorker

My mind was consumed with the negotiations.

The New York Times - Magazine

They're not consumed with personal ambition.

The New York Times

I was consumed with regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was "consumed with reading".

The New Yorker

Then I became consumed with fear.

The Guardian

He is perennially, dizzyingly consumed with Facebook.

The Guardian - Opinion

You're consumed with the biological clock thing.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Since childhood, he told Ian, he's been "consumed with work".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, pair "consumed with" with a specific noun or concept that clearly defines the source of the preoccupation, such as "consumed with grief" or "consumed with ambition".

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences that obscure who or what is doing the "consuming". Instead of saying "he was consumed with worry", a more direct and impactful phrasing could be "worry consumed him". This active construction enhances the narrative's immediacy and force.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "consumed with" is to act as a predicate adjective describing a subject's state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a state of being deeply engrossed or overwhelmed by something. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in describing emotional states or intense focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consumed with" is a versatile phrase used to describe someone deeply engrossed or overwhelmed by a particular emotion, idea, or activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage extends to encyclopedic and scientific sources. Alternative phrases like ""engrossed in"", ""preoccupied with"", and ""obsessed with"" offer nuanced ways to express similar states. When using "consumed with", ensure a clear connection to the source of preoccupation and avoid passive constructions for a more direct impact. "Consumed with" is particularly effective in conveying strong emotional intensity and the dominating nature of the subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorbed in

Similar to engrossed, indicating a deep level of attention and involvement.

immersed in

Conveys a sense of being deeply involved or surrounded by something, often an activity or environment.

engrossed in

Focuses on being completely occupied and fascinated by something, shifting the emphasis from internal feeling to external focus.

preoccupied with

Highlights a state of being mentally absorbed in something, suggesting less intensity than "consumed with".

obsessed with

Implies an excessive and often irrational preoccupation, adding a negative connotation not always present in "consumed with".

engulfed by

Suggests being overwhelmed or surrounded by a feeling or situation, emphasizing the encompassing nature of the experience.

fixated on

Indicates an obsessive focus on something, often to an unhealthy degree.

wrapped up in

Similar to taken up with, implying a state of being completely involved or focused.

taken up with

Suggests that one's time and attention are fully occupied by something, reducing the intensity.

haunted by

Implies a persistent and often distressing preoccupation with something, typically a memory or fear, shifting the focus to a negative experience.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "consumed with" in a sentence?

Use "consumed with" to describe a state of being completely engrossed or overwhelmed by something, such as an emotion, idea, or activity. For instance, "She was "consumed with grief" after the loss".

What are some alternatives to using "consumed with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "engrossed in", "preoccupied with", or "obsessed with". Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the intensity and nature of the preoccupation.

Is it better to say "consumed by" or "consumed with"?

Both "consumed by" and "consumed with" are grammatically correct and can be used, but "consumed with" is more common when referring to emotions or abstract concepts. "Consumed by" often implies a more forceful or destructive engulfment.

How does "consumed with" differ from "obsessed with"?

"Consumed with" suggests a deep involvement or preoccupation that may not necessarily be negative, while "obsessed with" implies an excessive and often irrational fixation. For instance, one might be "consumed with a project", indicating intense focus, but "obsessed with fame" suggests an unhealthy preoccupation.