entirely preoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "entirely preoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is completely absorbed or focused on something, often to the exclusion of other thoughts or activities. Example: "She was entirely preoccupied with her work, hardly noticing the time passing by."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

His father is harsh and distant; his mother almost entirely preoccupied with other things.

The Guardian - Books

Wendy in "Wendy and Lucy" is, like Ale, almost entirely preoccupied with money.

The New York Times - Magazine

WEST 8 LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS, ROTTERDAM, HOLLAND The ground-zero debate has been entirely preoccupied by architectural solutions.

The New York Times - Magazine

But the situation in Hungary has remained largely under the radar in Europe, whose leaders have been almost entirely preoccupied with the sovereign debt crisis that has threatened the survival of the euro.

The New York Times

He's also obsessive, repetitive, entirely preoccupied by memory, which makes it easy to place him as the heir to the Céline who once told a friend, "I've got a thousand pages of nightmare stored up".

The New York Times - Books

Yet we – and by "we" I mean those of us lucky enough not to be entirely preoccupied with our own families' survival – demonstrate over and over again that we're capable of doing unselfish good for others, and even for other species.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I was totally preoccupied with the moment.

Forbes

He was totally preoccupied with death".

Vice

The agony of the parents, the periodic cruelty of the father -- all are the powerful but passing dramas that for the moment entirely preoccupy us as we watch the movie.

Huffington Post

Davina McCall set off from Edinburgh to London on a bicycle last month, preoccupied entirely by the physical ordeal ahead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All artists are preoccupied.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "entirely preoccupied" to vividly describe someone's mental state when they are completely absorbed in a thought, task, or activity, often to the exclusion of other things. It suggests a higher degree of focus than simply saying someone is "busy" or "occupied".

Common error

Avoid using "entirely preoccupied" when the context only implies mild interest or engagement. Reserve it for situations where the person's focus is exceptionally intense and all-consuming; otherwise, a less emphatic phrase like "somewhat interested" or "slightly distracted" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "entirely preoccupied" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, describing a state of being completely absorbed in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English. The adverb "entirely" intensifies the adjective "preoccupied", indicating a high degree of focus or absorption.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "entirely preoccupied" is a valid and descriptive phrase used to convey a state of complete absorption or intense focus. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While not the most common phrase, it adds a level of emphasis beyond simply being "preoccupied". It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. Use it when you want to emphasize someone's unwavering attention to a specific thought, task, or concern. Remember to reserve it for situations that truly warrant such a strong degree of focus, as overusing it can diminish its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely engrossed

Emphasizes a total absorption, often suggesting a delightful or pleasurable experience.

totally absorbed

Highlights a complete mental captivation, potentially implying a loss of awareness of surroundings.

fully immersed

Suggests a deep involvement, as if one is submerged in the activity or thought.

deeply engaged

Implies an active and intense participation or involvement.

utterly consumed

Conveys a sense of being completely taken over by something, possibly with negative implications.

exclusively focused

Stresses a singular and unwavering attention to a specific subject or task.

singularly obsessed

Highlights an extreme preoccupation, bordering on an unhealthy fixation.

wholly fixated

Suggests a strong and unwavering focus, often on a specific idea or object.

primarily concerned

Indicates a main area of interest or worry, shifting the focus slightly to concern.

mainly dedicated

Signifies a commitment of time and energy, implying a purposeful allocation of resources.

FAQs

How can I use "entirely preoccupied" in a sentence?

You can use "entirely preoccupied" to describe someone who is completely absorbed in something, like "She was "entirely preoccupied" with her novel, barely noticing the world around her".

What are some alternatives to "entirely preoccupied"?

Some alternatives include "completely engrossed", "totally absorbed", or "fully immersed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "entirely preoccupied" or "totally preoccupied"?

Both "entirely preoccupied" and "totally preoccupied" are acceptable, but "entirely" may suggest a more complete or absolute state of absorption. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific context.

What's the difference between "preoccupied" and "entirely preoccupied"?

"Preoccupied" suggests being absorbed in thought, while ""entirely preoccupied"" emphasizes a complete and unwavering focus, often to the exclusion of other concerns or distractions. The addition of "entirely" intensifies the degree of absorption.