it was all-consuming

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was all-consuming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that takes up all of someone's time, energy, or attention, often in a way that is overwhelming. Example: "The project became so demanding that it was all-consuming, leaving little room for anything else in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It was all-consuming".

The New York Times

It was all-consuming and all-confusing.

The New York Times

"I wasn't young when they came to me," she said, "and it was all-consuming".

The New York Times - Style

All Ms. Evans knew was that her daughter was experiencing her first love and that it was all-consuming.

The New York Times

"It was a totally thankless job, and it was all-consuming for the next year and a half," said Frances Zwenig, who was the committee's chief of staff.

The New York Times

Along the way there have been cautionary statements about excessive risk in his tackling, a disturbing sense that sometimes his desire might be self-destructive as it was all-consuming.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It's all-consuming and nothing else matters.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mark: It is all-consuming but so rewarding.

The Guardian - Books

"It's all-consuming and your identity develops around that.

The Guardian - Sport

It is all-consuming, delivered five days a week over five weeks.

The New York Times - Health

But for others, especially police departments in border states like mine, it is all-consuming.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was all-consuming" to vividly describe experiences or activities that demand complete focus and leave little room for other concerns. This phrase is effective for conveying intensity and dedication.

Common error

While "it was all-consuming" effectively conveys intensity, avoid using it too casually. Overusing this phrase can diminish its impact, especially when describing minor inconveniences. Reserve it for truly significant and demanding situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was all-consuming" functions as a descriptive expression. According to Ludwig AI, this correctly describes a state of being completely engrossed or dominated by something. Examples show it detailing passions, jobs, and even anxieties.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was all-consuming" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing something that demands complete focus and energy. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is appropriate for conveying intensity, although it should be reserved for genuinely significant situations to avoid diminishing its impact. While it appears more frequently in news and media, Ludwig shows its versatility across different contexts. Alternatives like "it was all-encompassing" or "it was totally absorbing" can offer nuanced variations, depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was all-encompassing

Emphasizes completeness and inclusion, suggesting that something covers all aspects.

it was totally absorbing

Focuses on the captivating and engrossing nature of something.

it completely dominated my life

Highlights the controlling influence something had over one's existence.

it took over everything

Conveys the idea of something assuming control and importance.

it consumed all my energy

Highlights the extent to which something drains one's resources.

it monopolized my attention

Focuses on the exclusive claim something had on one's focus.

it became my obsession

Emphasizes the intense and often irrational focus on something.

it was my sole focus

Indicates that something was the only thing being concentrated on.

it filled every waking moment

Highlights the constant presence and influence of something.

it was the most important thing in my life

Expresses the paramount significance something held at the time.

FAQs

How can I use "it was all-consuming" in a sentence?

Use "it was all-consuming" to describe an activity, project, or relationship that takes up all of your time and energy. For instance, "The project became so demanding that "it was all-consuming", leaving little room for anything else in my life."

What are some alternatives to "it was all-consuming"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was all-encompassing", "it was totally absorbing", or "it completely dominated my life".

Is it appropriate to use "it was all-consuming" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was all-consuming" is appropriate for formal writing when accurately describing a situation that demanded complete focus and energy. However, ensure that the tone and context align with the formality of the writing.

What does "it was all-consuming" imply about the experience?

The phrase "it was all-consuming" implies that the experience was intense, demanding, and required complete dedication, often to the exclusion of other activities or concerns.