less of a preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less of a preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not as much of a concern or focus as it once was. Example: "Over time, the issue became less of a preoccupation for the team, allowing them to focus on more pressing matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Movie-going is less of a preoccupation.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I had entered in part because I had a bit of a preoccupation with Plath.

The New York Times

The "final straw" was an ethical betrayal, of sorts, a preoccupation with appearances over substance.

Science Magazine

Pushing ahead with his expansion of the LAPD has been a preoccupation of future mayors.

Los Angeles Times

In Norway the subject of emigration remains a preoccupation.

The New Yorker

The misuse or even invention of verbs is a preoccupation.

The Guardian

However, the other side of sovereignty is a preoccupation with independence amidst interdependence.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

A lot of its preoccupations are still my preoccupations: European colonies, wars of independence in Africa, a preoccupation with the grubbier side of provincial England.

The Guardian - Arts

After that, and once the theory that you could cure homosexuality became more a preoccupation of the right-wing fringe, our connection felt less like something I needed to discuss.

The New Yorker

That includes a preoccupation of his, baseball.

The New York Times

Refined taste became a preoccupation of the masses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "less of a preoccupation" when indicating a genuine decrease in worry or importance. Avoid using it if something has become completely irrelevant.

Common error

Be careful not to use "less of a preoccupation" when the subject has actually become irrelevant or nonexistent. The phrase implies a decrease, not a complete absence of concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less of a preoccupation" functions as a descriptor indicating a diminished level of concern or focus. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It modifies an implied subject, suggesting a reduction in the intensity of attention or worry directed towards it.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science & Research

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "less of a preoccupation" effectively communicates a reduced level of concern or focus. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and usable. Although relatively rare, as evidenced by the limited number of examples, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, media, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject has genuinely decreased in importance and avoid overstating the reduction. Alternatives such as "not as much of a concern" or "lower priority" can provide similar meanings. Overall, the phrase is a useful tool for expressing a shift in priorities or mental state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not as much of a concern

Replaces "preoccupation" with the more general term "concern", indicating a reduced level of worry or focus.

lower priority

Shifts the focus to importance and ranking, suggesting the issue is not as pressing.

not a major focus

Emphasizes the lack of attention or concentration on a particular subject.

declining interest

Highlights a reduction in enthusiasm or attention towards something.

reduced emphasis

Indicates a decrease in the level of importance or stress given to something.

fewer worries about

Replaces "preoccupation" with the concept of "worries", focusing on reduced anxiety.

secondary concern

Positions the issue as less important compared to other, more significant matters.

less significance

Highlights the reduced importance or consequence of something.

dwindling obsession

Suggests a fading intense interest or fixation on something.

not as pressing

Focuses on the reduced urgency or need for immediate attention.

FAQs

How can I use "less of a preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "less of a preoccupation" to indicate that something is not as much of a concern as it once was. For example: "Over time, the issue became "less of a preoccupation" for the team, allowing them to focus on more pressing matters."

What can I say instead of "less of a preoccupation"?

You can use alternatives like "not as much of a concern", "lower priority", or "not a major focus" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "less of a preoccupation"?

Yes, the phrase "less of a preoccupation" is grammatically correct and understandable. It is used to convey a reduced level of focus or worry about something.

What's the difference between "less of a preoccupation" and "not a preoccupation"?

"Less of a preoccupation" implies a decrease in concern, whereas "not a preoccupation" suggests a complete lack of concern. Use "less of a preoccupation" when something's importance has diminished, and "not a preoccupation" when it was never or is no longer a concern.