major preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant concern or focus that someone has, often in discussions about personal issues, societal problems, or professional matters. Example: "Climate change has become a major preoccupation for many scientists and policymakers around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Family is a major preoccupation.

The Economist

Insects appeared to be a major preoccupation.

The New York Times

Mozart remains a major preoccupation.

The New York Times - Arts

One major preoccupation is food security.

The Guardian

Money, or lack of it, is a major preoccupation.

The Economist

I'd write stories between novels, which were always the major preoccupation.

The New Yorker

The classical Bedouin style was still predominant in literature and was the major preoccupation of grammarians.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Trying to read the President's mind on S.D.I. is a major preoccupation in Washington.

The New Yorker

Financing the increasingly expensive and unsuccessful war with France was a major preoccupation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A rising currency also stems inflation — a major preoccupation of the Fed before the latest crisis.

The New York Times

In general, the search for a post-Taliban administration has become a major preoccupation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject of the "major preoccupation" is clearly defined within your sentence. Ambiguity can dilute the impact of the phrase.

Common error

While "major preoccupation" is valid, avoid overuse. Vary your language by using synonyms like "primary concern" or "significant focus" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, where "major" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "preoccupation". As Ludwig AI highlights, it denotes something of significant importance or concern. Examples show it describing themes in literature, political issues, or personal focuses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "major preoccupation" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that signifies a dominant concern or interest. As shown by Ludwig AI, this phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, indicating its applicability in formal writing and discussions. While the phrase is considered correct for general usage, it's crucial to ensure contextual relevance and avoid overuse. Consider alternatives such as "primary concern" or "significant focus" to enhance writing clarity and variety. Overall, "major preoccupation" is useful for highlighting significant points of focus but should be employed thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major concern

Focuses more on the element of worry or anxiety.

primary concern

Emphasizes the priority or importance of the concern.

significant focus

Highlights the concentration of attention on a particular area.

principal interest

Suggests a leading area of curiosity or enthusiasm.

dominant theme

Highlights a recurring or central subject of discussion or analysis.

central issue

Emphasizes that something is the most important point to address.

main focus

Similar to "significant focus" but potentially broader in scope.

chief concern

Implies a position of leadership or authority in the context.

overriding obsession

Conveys a sense of compulsion or fixation.

consuming passion

Indicates an intense emotional engagement.

FAQs

How can I use "major preoccupation" in a sentence?

Use "major preoccupation" to indicate something that is constantly on someone's mind or a dominant concern. For example, "The rising cost of living has become a "major preoccupation" for many families".

What are some alternatives to "major preoccupation"?

You can use alternatives like "primary concern", "significant focus", or "dominant theme" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "major preoccupation" or "main preoccupation"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""major preoccupation"" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the intensity of the concern, whereas "main preoccupation" simply indicates what is most important.

What's the difference between a "major preoccupation" and a "minor concern"?

A ""major preoccupation"" is a significant and dominant concern, often consuming a lot of thought and energy. A "minor concern" is a less significant issue that doesn't require as much attention.