extreme preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extreme preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense or excessive focus on a particular subject or issue. Example: "Her extreme preoccupation with cleanliness often led to conflicts with her roommates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

These suggest that the difference between an ON sufferer and a health-conscious person include the extreme preoccupation with and the judging attitude towards others who do not follow a healthy diet.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Still, the interview is fascinating for what it reveals about this compulsive shopper's extreme yet strangely banal preoccupation.

The New York Times

The poet Frances Leviston, reviewing Ms. Stone's 2008 collection "What Love Comes To" in The Guardian of London, defined her scale of preoccupations as extreme: "at one end, something as tangible as a spider's web; at the other, the entire cosmos".

The New York Times - Arts

Strauss condemned "extreme democracy," and his lifelong preoccupation was the safety of "the few" philosophers from persecution by "the multitude".

The New York Times

"Accelerando" (ACT), released last month, takes that preoccupation to its logical extreme: the album is about how music articulates human motion.

The New York Times - Arts

Is it any surprise that the actual Romantic poets and painters shared our preoccupation with awe-inspiring extremes?

The New York Times - Magazine

The downside could of course be less slack for impoverished artists living on housing benefit in garrets, but this might be a price worth paying, to move art away from its present preoccupation with the outrageous and extreme.

The Guardian

In a way, though, that ride's preoccupation with sensation offers an extreme example of the museum's biggest weakness: it is so focused on the sensations of the ship, on the mechanics of living and the mechanisms of fighting, that almost no larger context is provided.

The New York Times - Arts

It would be unreasonable to conclude based on his stated pursuit of revenge that it was the single most important motive for what he did, especially since his behavior was complicated by extreme social isolation, psychological disturbance, and a preoccupation with state-of-the-art firearms.

Huffington Post

In one study, more extreme responses to items measuring thin body preoccupation were associated with case identification (27), and in another study mean scores for participants who subsequently developed eating problems were above average (28).

Diabetes Care

Further studies show this preoccupation to occur in far less extreme circumstances.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "extreme preoccupation", ensure the context clearly indicates the intensity and potentially negative impact of the focus. For instance, "His extreme preoccupation with his work led to neglect of his personal life."

Common error

While "extreme preoccupation" is valid, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using synonyms like "intense obsession" or "overwhelming concern" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extreme preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, where "extreme" modifies the noun "preoccupation". It denotes a state of being intensely absorbed in or focused on something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, indicating its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "extreme preoccupation" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe an intense and often obsessive focus on something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English. It is often employed in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, to denote a state of heightened interest or concern. While it carries a slightly negative connotation, its appropriateness depends on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure that the intensity and potential negative impact of the focus are clearly conveyed. Consider alternatives such as "intense obsession" or "overwhelming concern" to avoid repetition and add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense obsession

This alternative suggests a more irrational or compulsive focus than "extreme preoccupation".

overwhelming concern

This phrase implies a significant worry or anxiety, which may not always be present in "extreme preoccupation".

intense focus

This focuses more on concentration and less on the emotional or obsessive aspect.

consuming interest

This suggests a deep and engaging interest that occupies much of one's thoughts.

fixation

This term implies an unhealthy or obsessive focus.

obsessive interest

Highlights the obsessive nature of the interest, making it less neutral than "extreme preoccupation".

acute absorption

Emphasizes being deeply engrossed or immersed in something, potentially to a lesser degree of concern.

marked dedication

This alternative stresses commitment and effort, potentially missing the element of excessive focus.

profound engagement

Implies a deep involvement, but not necessarily an excessive or troubling one.

consuming passion

This alternative suggests a strong emotional drive, which is not always part of "extreme preoccupation".

FAQs

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

You can use "extreme preoccupation" to describe an intense and often obsessive focus on something. For example: "Her "extreme preoccupation" with cleanliness often led to conflicts with her roommates."

What's a good alternative to "extreme preoccupation"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "intense obsession", "overwhelming concern", or "consuming interest" as alternatives to "extreme preoccupation".

Is "extreme preoccupation" negative?

The phrase "extreme preoccupation" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the focus is excessive and potentially detrimental. However, the negativity depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "obsession" and "extreme preoccupation"?

"Obsession" implies a more intense and often irrational focus, while "extreme preoccupation" suggests a strong focus that may not necessarily be irrational but is still excessive.