literary preoccupations

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "literary preoccupations" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to themes, topics, or interests that dominate a writer's work or thought process regarding literature. Example: "The author's literary preoccupations often revolve around the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The adult Wharton depicted herself as having been alone in her youthful literary preoccupations.

The New Yorker

Literary preoccupations arise so naturally that they're almost like one's own personality.

The New Yorker

In Egypt a great change in literary preoccupations came about after 1952.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One of her literary preoccupations was to explore the very springs of folklore.

The New Yorker

The military culture's alienation from the Democratic Party has been another of Webb's literary preoccupations.

The New Yorker

Such a marriage of beauty and horror is a perfect metaphor for his literary preoccupations.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A15 LITERATURE AND TERRORISM -- The literary preoccupation with terrorism goes back at least to the 1870's, when radicals wielding pistols and dynamite assailed leaders and buildings across Europe and Russia.

The New York Times

The pattern of religious conflict was reflected in literary forms and preoccupations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the circumstances it's not surprising that Aldous turned out to be a writer who ranged far beyond the usual preoccupations of literary folk – into history, philosophy, science, politics, mysticism and psychic exploration.

The Guardian - Opinion

His second preoccupation was literary criticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One can learn a lot about Gillon from his Pushkin renderings: not just about his literary sensibilities, but about the preoccupations of the inner man.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "literary preoccupations" to succinctly describe the recurring themes, subjects, or interests that dominate an author's body of work or a specific literary period. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of consistent focus and importance.

Common error

Avoid using "literary preoccupations" to describe a reader's personal preferences or favorite genres. This phrase is more appropriately used to discuss the recurring themes or subjects within an author's work or within a particular literary movement, not individual reading tastes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "literary preoccupations" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the central themes or recurring interests found within literary works or associated with specific authors. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase follows standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "literary preoccupations" refers to the recurring themes, subjects, or interests that dominate a writer's work or thought. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct. While not extremely common, it appears most frequently in news and media and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases include "literary themes" and "literary interests", offering slight variations in emphasis. Understanding and using this phrase correctly helps in analyzing and discussing the core elements of literary works.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

literary themes

Focuses specifically on the themes within literature, omitting the personal element of 'preoccupation'.

literary interests

Replaces 'preoccupations' with 'interests', suggesting a more casual or general engagement.

literary concerns

Substitutes 'preoccupations' with 'concerns', implying a sense of worry or importance.

literary obsessions

Replaces 'preoccupations' with 'obsessions', indicating a more intense and potentially consuming interest.

recurring literary motifs

Highlights the repetitive nature of certain elements within literature, using 'motifs' to emphasize patterns.

dominant literary subjects

Emphasizes the importance and prevalence of particular subjects in literary works.

literary fixations

Indicates a strong and often unwavering focus on specific literary elements.

authorial concerns

Shifts focus to the author's perspective, highlighting their personal worries and interests reflected in their work.

thematic preoccupations in literature

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the thematic aspect within the broader field of literature.

prevailing literary subjects

Highlights the most common or widespread subjects found in literary works.

FAQs

How can I use "literary preoccupations" in a sentence?

You can use "literary preoccupations" to describe recurring themes or interests in an author's work. For example: "One of Jane Austen's main "literary preoccupations" was the social standing of women in 19th-century England."

What's a simpler way to say "literary preoccupations"?

Alternatives include "literary themes" or "literary interests", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "literary preoccupations" to describe my favorite book genres?

It's more accurate to use "literary preoccupations" to describe an author's recurring themes or subjects in their work, not your personal preferences. For your favorites, consider saying "preferred genres" or "reading interests" instead.

What are some examples of common "literary preoccupations"?

Common "literary preoccupations" include themes like love, death, social injustice, and the search for identity. These themes often appear repeatedly across different works and authors.