have a shared preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a shared preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where multiple people are focused on or concerned about the same issue or topic. Example: "The team members have a shared preoccupation with improving workplace safety, which drives their discussions and initiatives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And wasn't the return of the repressed a shared preoccupation in some of their jests?

The New York Times - Arts

Through Jan . 21Works by Christina Ramberg and Victoria Gitman, in these excellent separate shows, are linked by a shared preoccupation with fetishism and women.

The New York Times - Arts

CHARLIE HUNTER AND SCOTT AMENDOLA Deep groove is a shared preoccupation for Mr. Hunter, a soulful seven-string guitarist, and Mr. Amendola, a versatile drummer.

The New York Times - Arts

Japan is also hoping to sell coastguard seaplanes, perhaps a hint of future co-operation on defence.Behind all this is a shared preoccupation with China.

The Economist

Have a shared focus.

WikiHow

Davis agrees that as well as satisfying "a craving for upmarket discussion and debate", Today has "a lot of shared preoccupations, and warmth, too".

The Guardian

My friend Catherine Menninger sent me a note the other day that began: "The days are long past when the poison of DU (depleted uranium) was our shared preoccupation.

Huffington Post

Authoritarians have a preoccupation with luxury, Ben-Ghiat said.

The New Yorker

The Jahai, according to Majid and Burenhult, have a "preoccupation with odor".

The New Yorker

Kevin Parker Keighley, W Yorks David Goodhart is not a racist, but he seems to have a preoccupation with race.

The Guardian

For now, Daunt has a bigger preoccupation.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a shared preoccupation" to precisely convey that multiple entities are significantly concerned with or focused on the same issue or subject. This phrase is particularly effective when describing underlying motivations or common anxieties.

Common error

Avoid using "have a shared preoccupation" in extremely casual settings. While grammatically sound, "preoccupation" implies a level of deep concern or focus that may seem overly formal or serious for everyday conversations. Consider simpler alternatives like "common interest" or "shared focus" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a shared preoccupation" functions as a descriptor indicating a common and significant focus or concern among multiple entities. This implies a strong mental engagement with a particular subject. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing collective interests or anxieties.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a shared preoccupation" accurately describes a common focus or concern among multiple individuals or groups. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct. While it appears most frequently in news and media contexts, its formal tone suggests that it is best used when describing significant or deep concerns rather than casual interests. Alternatives such as "share a common interest" or "have a mutual concern" may be more appropriate for informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a mutual concern

Highlights shared anxiety or worry regarding a specific matter.

share a common interest

Focuses on mutual enjoyment or enthusiasm rather than concern or worry.

share a focus

Emphasizes a common point of attention or objective.

have a joint interest

Suggests a collaborative or cooperative engagement with a specific topic.

have a converging focus

Highlights a shared direction or goal that brings focus together.

have overlapping interests

Indicates that interests coincide or intersect to some degree.

share a passion

Highlights strong enthusiasm and dedication to a particular subject.

share a common theme

Emphasizes a recurring idea or subject that binds individuals together.

share an obsession

Implies a more intense and potentially unhealthy level of interest.

have a collective fixation

Conveys a sense of unified, intense focus, possibly bordering on the excessive.

FAQs

What does "have a shared preoccupation" mean?

The phrase "have a shared preoccupation" means that multiple people or entities have a common and significant concern, interest, or focus on something. It suggests a strong mental engagement with a particular subject.

How can I use "have a shared preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "have a shared preoccupation" to describe a situation where people are intensely focused on the same issue. For example, "The team members "have a shared preoccupation" with meeting project deadlines."

What can I say instead of "have a shared preoccupation"?

You can use alternatives like "share a common interest", "have a mutual concern", or "share a focus" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "have a shared preoccupation" formal or informal?

"Have a shared preoccupation" leans toward a more formal register due to the use of "preoccupation", which implies a serious or deep level of concern. Simpler phrases might be more appropriate in casual conversations.