excessively preoccupied with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "excessively preoccupied with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overly focused or concerned about a particular subject or issue. Example: "She is excessively preoccupied with her appearance, spending hours each day on her makeup and wardrobe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

But Western powers, he lamented, were excessively preoccupied with the country's nuclear program.

The New Yorker

In a season when New York's major museums seem excessively preoccupied with art from the previous century, "Gutai: Splendid Playground" is a breath of fresh air.

The New York Times - Arts

In the light of this, is it fair to brand him a 'somatiser', excessively preoccupied with the state of his body?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Voice seemed to imply that Telly supplied the crucial reality to his line & had had it up to here with models & designers who are excessively preoccupied with clothes.

The New Yorker

Writers and poets, traditionally said to be excessively preoccupied with rural life and the peasantry, have nevertheless been drawn to Budapest, as have Hungary's composers: Ferenc Erkel, Ernst von Dohnányi, Béla Bartók, and Zoltán Kodály all lived in the capital.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Narcissistic Personality Disorder A "Cluster B" personality disorder in which a person is excessively preoccupied with personal adequacy, power, prestige and vanity, mentally unable to see the damage they are causing to themselves and often others.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Polivy reports that food restriction can cause various cognitive disruptions, predisposing those who restrict intake to eat excessively - even binge - once restrictions are lifted; these behaviors can cause them to become overly preoccupied with and emotionally responsive to food [ 37].

BMC Family Practice

"People get too preoccupied with style points.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're overly preoccupied with numbers," says Ms. Levine.

The New York Times

Most Russians are too preoccupied with survival to decide.

The Economist

I'm too preoccupied with first lines.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "excessively preoccupied with" to convey a sense of imbalance or inappropriateness in someone's focus, rather than simple interest.

Common error

Do not use "excessively preoccupied with" when a simpler phrase like "focused on" or "concerned with" adequately conveys the intended meaning. Overuse can make your writing sound verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "excessively preoccupied with" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun by describing the state of being overly absorbed or concerned with something. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing people's behaviors, states of mind, or societal trends.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "excessively preoccupied with" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression, as validated by Ludwig. It serves to describe a state of being overly focused or concerned with something, often implying a negative judgment about the disproportionate level of attention. While the phrase is not particularly common, it appears most frequently in news media and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that it's suitable for conveying criticism or concern about an overemphasis. When using this phrase, consider whether a simpler alternative might suffice to avoid sounding verbose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsessively focused on

Emphasizes the obsessive nature of the preoccupation.

unduly concerned with

Highlights the inappropriateness or excessiveness of the concern.

fixated on

Suggests a strong, often irrational, focus.

overly absorbed in

Focuses on the extent to which someone's attention is captured.

intensely engrossed in

Highlights deep engagement and immersion.

inordinately hung up on

Implies an unreasonable and excessive concern.

unduly fixated upon

A more formal variation of "fixated on", emphasizing excessiveness.

unduly wrapped up in

Conveys the idea of being excessively involved or consumed.

overly fixated by

Highlights the excessive nature of the fixation.

excessively absorbed by

Reflects excessive absorption.

FAQs

How can I replace "excessively preoccupied with" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "obsessively focused on", "unduly concerned with", or "fixated on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "excessively preoccupied with"?

Use "excessively preoccupied with" when you want to emphasize that someone's focus on something is disproportionate, unhealthy, or interferes with other important aspects of their life. It implies a negative connotation.

What's the difference between "preoccupied with" and "excessively preoccupied with"?

"Preoccupied with" simply means someone is thinking about something frequently. "Excessively preoccupied with" indicates that this focus is extreme and potentially detrimental. The addition of "excessively" adds a layer of judgment.

Is "excessively preoccupied with" a formal or informal phrase?

The phrase "excessively preoccupied with" leans towards formal usage. While understandable in informal contexts, it's more common in academic, news, or professional writing where a precise and critical tone is often required.