create preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of causing someone to become overly concerned or absorbed in a particular thought or issue. Example: "The constant news coverage of the crisis seemed to create preoccupation among the public, leading to widespread anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I would speculate that Atkins may create preoccupation with food but without the denial.

The Guardian

"Most diets create preoccupation with food and subsequent overeating because they generate a sense of denial," says Jane Ogden, a psychologist at King's College London.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Parr is interested in Englishness, and eccentricity, and in people whose preoccupations create a world of their own.

The Guardian - Arts

Checking electronic devices for text messages, voice mails and emails continually throughout the day creates a obsessive preoccupation that doesn't quench the thirst for the need for more, it amplifies it.

Huffington Post

Self-preoccupation creates an ego that is at once overinflated, insatiable and overly sensitive.

The New York Times

Technology and the economy have converged to create a set of priorities and preoccupations that are unique to our times.

The New York Times

The Call of Cthulhu is the most famous tale of his invented mythos, which is itself a stage in Lovecraft's attempts to create a perfect form for his preoccupations and for the weird tale.

BBC

Now, the goal is no longer to create ignorance, because there is little to no preoccupation in public media with determining the validity of knowledge.

Huffington Post

Still, Mughal painters treaded their own path, resisting such preoccupations as perspective and the use of chiaroscuro to create the illusion of depth.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

He describes how individual scientific obsessions, like Charles David Keeling's preoccupation with creating a precise record of carbon dioxide concentrations, produced vital puzzle pieces.

The New York Times - Books

In exchange, hurt parties must work to release their obsessive preoccupation with the injury, accept a fair share of responsibility for what went wrong and create opportunities for the offender to make good.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create preoccupation", consider the intensity and negative connotations associated with the term "preoccupation". Ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of instigating a deep, potentially obsessive, focus.

Common error

Avoid using "create preoccupation" when you simply mean to spark interest or curiosity. "Preoccupation" implies a deeper, more consuming level of focus that might not be appropriate for all contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create preoccupation" functions as a verb-noun construction where "create" acts as a transitive verb causing the state of "preoccupation". Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts where an action or situation leads to someone becoming deeply absorbed in something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create preoccupation" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of instigating a state of intense focus or concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the idea of something causing someone to become deeply absorbed in a particular thought or issue. While versatile, it's essential to consider the intensity implied by "preoccupation" and ensure it accurately represents the intended meaning. Alternatives like "foster obsession" or "instill concern" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context. Remember to be mindful of the level of focus you wish to express and avoid overstating it. Using "create preoccupation" effectively involves understanding its intensity and choosing it judiciously for the intended purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate fixation

Implies producing a compulsive focus, suggesting a more rigid and less flexible mental state.

foster obsession

Focuses on cultivating an intense, often irrational, interest, differing from simply initiating concern.

develop obsession

Highlights the gradual unfolding of a compulsive interest, implying a process rather than a single act of creation.

encourage rumination

Highlights the act of promoting deep and often repetitive thought, usually with negative connotations.

cultivate fixation

Implies a deliberate nurturing of an intense focus, suggesting a more active role in its development.

instill concern

Centers on implanting a feeling of worry or unease, rather than a broader state of mental absorption.

trigger anxiety

Emphasizes the causation of a state of worry and nervousness, a more specific emotional response.

spark interest

Highlights the act of initiating curiosity, which is a lighter form of engagement compared to "preoccupation".

arouse curiosity

Focuses on stimulating inquisitiveness, suggesting a transient engagement rather than sustained focus.

ignite passion

Focuses on sparking intense enthusiasm or devotion, a more positive and emotionally charged state.

FAQs

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

You can use "create preoccupation" to describe how something causes someone to become deeply absorbed in a particular thought or activity. For example, "The unsolved mystery seemed to create preoccupation among the detectives."

What are some alternatives to "create preoccupation"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "foster obsession", "generate fixation", or "instill concern".

What is the difference between "create preoccupation" and "spark interest"?

"Create preoccupation" implies a deep, often obsessive focus, whereas "spark interest" suggests a lighter, more casual form of curiosity. "Preoccupation" is a stronger, more intense state of mental engagement.

Is "create preoccupation" grammatically correct?

Yes, "create preoccupation" is grammatically correct. It follows the standard verb-noun structure and is used in various reputable sources as confirmed by Ludwig.