consuming obsession

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "consuming obsession" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense and overwhelming preoccupation with something, often to the point of it dominating one's thoughts or actions. Example: "Her consuming obsession with perfectionism often led her to work late into the night, unable to let go of even the smallest details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Frequent flyer miles, those postmodern green stamps, were a consuming obsession for millions.

The New York Times

It has been a life, and a consuming obsession for Smith, pitted with prejudice and personal demons.

The Guardian - Sport

For Oney, the case has been a consuming obsession; some seventeen years of work went into this vast narrative.

The New Yorker

What about Ken Grimes, who paints text-filled canvases charting a consuming obsession with space aliens but who once studied art at Yale.

The New York Times - Arts

Aschenbach's initial detached and aesthetic interest becomes a consuming obsession raging against the background of a cholera epidemic in the city.

The Guardian - Music

As literature, the letters are an interesting portrait of a sheltered woman whose one brush with carnal desire left her with a consuming obsession.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

To get over your consuming obsessions, Dr. Miller suggests exercises like comparing the relative costs and pleasures of the stuff you've bought.

The New York Times - Science

Far from being cold calculation, maths is seen as a source of beauty and passion but also of dangerously consuming personal obsession.

The Guardian

That's largely because one plays football, the consuming national obsession, and the other basketball, one of those activities we tend to rank, along with volleyball, as a hobby rather than a professional sport.

The Guardian - Sport

But what if such self-consciousness about a perceived facial or body defect becomes all consuming, an obsession or paranoia that keeps the person from focusing on school or work, pursuing normal social activities, even leaving the house to shop or see a doctor?

The New York Times - Health

Ferrán Adriá, the chef at el Bulli, on the northern Costa Brava, and reckoned by just about every connoisseur of cuisine to be the last word in inventive cooking says: 'In terms of sheer, mad, consuming cultural obsession with food there is nowhere like France.' And nothing quite like the severe, controlled elegance you find in ladies like Madame Loiseau.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "consuming obsession", ensure that the context clearly illustrates the extent to which the obsession dominates the person's thoughts, feelings, or actions. It's a strong phrase, so reserve it for truly intense fixations.

Common error

Avoid using "consuming obsession" to describe casual interests or hobbies. Save it for situations where the obsession genuinely interferes with daily life or well-being, as overuse dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "consuming obsession" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "consuming" modifies the noun "obsession". It describes a particular kind of obsession that is all-encompassing and dominating. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "consuming obsession" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that effectively conveys the intensity of a dominating interest or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using the phrase, remember to reserve it for situations where the obsession truly dominates a person's life, and be mindful of the potential negative connotations associated with obsession.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsessive preoccupation

Directly restates the core concept with a slight shift in emphasis.

all-consuming passion

Highlights the passionate aspect of the obsession, emphasizing the emotional investment.

all-encompassing fixation

Emphasizes the complete and total nature of the fixation, similar to consuming but focusing on encompassment.

overwhelming preoccupation

Highlights the dominating aspect of the preoccupation, suggesting it's difficult to think about anything else.

intense fixation

Focuses on the high degree of intensity of the fixation.

deep-seated fixation

Emphasizes that the fixation is profound and firmly established.

raging passion

Conveys a strong emotional investment, implying a powerful and uncontrolled enthusiasm.

driving compulsion

Implies an irresistible urge or need, suggesting a lack of control.

uncontrollable urge

Focuses on the lack of ability to restrain the desire or compulsion.

fixated fascination

Highlights the captivating and unwavering quality of the fascination.

FAQs

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

You can use "consuming obsession" to describe something that completely dominates someone's thoughts or actions. For example: "His work became a "consuming obsession", leaving him little time for anything else."

What are some alternatives to "consuming obsession"?

Alternatives include "intense fixation", "overwhelming preoccupation", or "all-consuming passion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "consumed by obsession" instead of "consuming obsession"?

Yes, "consumed by obsession" is a grammatically correct alternative. While "consuming obsession" describes the obsession itself, "consumed by obsession" describes the state of the person experiencing it. The meaning is very similar.

What's the difference between "consuming obsession" and a "strong interest"?

A "strong interest" is a positive and enjoyable pursuit, while a "consuming obsession" suggests a more intense, possibly detrimental, preoccupation. Obsessions often involve a lack of control and can negatively impact other areas of life.