get preoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get preoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of being absorbed or distracted by something, often to the point of losing focus on other matters. Example: "I tend to get preoccupied with my work, which sometimes makes me forget to take breaks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

In addition, they didn't seem to get preoccupied with negative headlines.

University of California, Berkeley

"Amtrak critics get preoccupied with the length of the route, end to end," he said.

The New York Times

"You don't get preoccupied, but you don't forget that you have a human being," he said.

The New York Times

It sounds like a charity single created in forced confinement, and shows that Lloyd shouldn't get preoccupied with anything beyond his own pleasure.

The New York Times - Arts

Toward the end of the year, like clockwork, he seems to get preoccupied with one topic that involves the magazine: its annual Person of the Year recognition.

The Washington Post

"We're not going to get preoccupied with it," the former Wales and Lions hooker said.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Miriam gets preoccupied with thoughts of the funeral of the killed people.

The New Yorker

So, I got preoccupied with covering tracks together with the colleagues".

The New Yorker

In a 2002 interview with Fortune magazine, Vasella said: "The strange part is, the more I made, the more I got preoccupied with money.

Stanford University

She got preoccupied by a preteen girl who was having lunch with her parents next to us, and who was quietly crying.

The New Yorker

"The more I got preoccupied with it, the more my kids were asking, 'Where are you?' I don't want to blame it on family, but it certainly played a role in my decision".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the intensity of the preoccupation. "Get preoccupied" is suitable for everyday distractions but might not convey the severity of an obsession or addiction.

Common error

While "get preoccupied" is perfectly acceptable in general writing, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic contexts. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "become engrossed" or "become absorbed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get preoccupied" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as a predicate to describe a subject's state of mind. It indicates a process of becoming absorbed or distracted, as evidenced by Ludwig, where it is used to describe various scenarios from work distractions to emotional states.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Huffington Post

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Vice

3%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get preoccupied" is a commonly used verb phrase that describes the act of becoming absorbed or distracted by something. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and is found in various contexts, including news, media, and personal blogs. While it's generally suitable for neutral writing, more formal contexts may benefit from alternatives like "become engrossed" or ""become absorbed"". Keep in mind the potential for overuse, and consider the intensity of the preoccupation when choosing alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

become absorbed

Focuses on the state of being deeply involved or engrossed.

become engrossed

Emphasizes a complete mental occupation.

be consumed by

Highlights the overpowering nature of the preoccupation.

be immersed in

Implies a deep involvement, often losing track of surroundings.

be wrapped up in

Emphasizes being completely involved and focused on something.

lose oneself in

Suggests a complete surrender to the object of preoccupation.

fixate on

Implies an obsessive focus.

dwell on

Indicates a lingering focus, often with worry or concern.

be hung up on

Suggests an unhealthy or persistent preoccupation.

obsess over

Highlights an excessive and irrational preoccupation.

FAQs

What does "get preoccupied" mean?

To "get preoccupied" means to become absorbed in thought or activity, often to the exclusion of other things. It suggests a state of being distracted or deeply focused on something.

How to use "get preoccupied" in a sentence?

You can use "get preoccupied" to describe someone becoming distracted, for example: "I tend to "become absorbed" with my work and forget to take breaks."

What can I say instead of "get preoccupied"?

You can use alternatives like ""become absorbed"", "become engrossed", or "be consumed by depending on the context".

What's the difference between "get preoccupied" and "obsess over"?

"Get preoccupied" suggests a general state of distraction or deep focus, while "obsess over" implies an excessive, often irrational, preoccupation. The latter carries a stronger connotation of being consumed by a thought or activity.