engrossed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engrossed in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is completely absorbed or interested in something. For example, "He was engrossed in his book, not even noticing the sounds of the city outside his window."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were engrossed in each other.

The New Yorker

Skipper was engrossed in one of them.

The New Yorker

She seemed engrossed in a giveaway newspaper.

The Guardian - Opinion

People are engrossed in their own games.

The New York Times - Sports

First, gamblers become engrossed in gambling.

The Guardian

You can't be engrossed in other things.

The Guardian - Sport

I was totally engrossed in it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You can get so engrossed in yourself.

The Guardian - Music

But not all his friends are engrossed in campus life.

The New York Times

While there, she was engrossed in the London designer scene.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead, she found herself engrossed in--and mastering--the subject.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "engrossed in" to vividly convey a state of deep focus or involvement. It's particularly effective when describing someone losing track of time or their surroundings due to their absorption.

Common error

Avoid using "engrossed in" passively (e.g., "The book was engrossed in by her"). Instead, emphasize the subject's active involvement: "She was engrossed in the book."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "engrossed in" functions as a stative adjective phrase, describing a state of being deeply absorbed or occupied by something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It modifies a noun or pronoun to indicate the subject's complete attention or involvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "engrossed in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a state of deep absorption or involvement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile expression suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "absorbed in" and "immersed in" exist, "engrossed in" effectively conveys an intense level of focus. When using this phrase, ensure active voice construction and recognize its slightly more formal tone. With its wide range of application and nuanced meaning, "engrossed in" is a valuable addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorbed in

Expresses a similar state of being completely occupied by something, often implying a loss of awareness of surroundings.

immersed in

Suggests a deeper level of involvement, as if one is submerged or enveloped by the activity or subject.

preoccupied with

Indicates that one's thoughts and attention are largely dominated by a particular thing.

involved in

A more general term for being engaged or participating in something.

caught up in

Implies that someone has become unexpectedly or unintentionally deeply involved.

focused on

Highlights the act of concentrating one's attention on a specific subject or task.

riveted by

Describes being so captivated that one is unable to look away.

enthralled by

Suggests being charmed or fascinated to the point of complete absorption.

consumed by

Implies that something has taken over one's thoughts and actions entirely.

attentive to

Describes someone who is paying close and careful attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "engrossed in" to describe someone or something that is completely absorbed or interested in something. For example, "He was "engrossed in" his book, not even noticing the sounds of the city outside his window."

What can I say instead of "engrossed in"?

You can use alternatives like "absorbed in", "immersed in", or "preoccupied with" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "engrossed by" instead of "engrossed in"?

While "engrossed" can be used with "by", it's less common. "Engrossed in" is the more standard and widely accepted usage when referring to being absorbed in something. Prefer ""engrossed in"" for clarity and conventional grammar.

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

"Interested in" suggests a general curiosity or liking, while ""engrossed in"" implies a deeper level of absorption and focus. "Engrossed" suggests a more intense and immersive experience.