obsess over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obsess over" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show that someone is devoting a lot of attention and thought to something. For example, "I've been obsessing over my upcoming exam for weeks now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They don't obsess over their differences.

The New York Times

Don't just obsess over stocks.

Forbes

Don't obsess over material desires.

WikiHow

Do not obsess over your friend's flaws.

WikiHow

Don't obsess over whose fault it was.

WikiHow

"Obsess over something extravagant.

The New York Times

We obsess over their imperfections.

The New York Times

Knicks fans continue to obsess over him.

The New Yorker

My parents obsess over this dog.

The New York Times

They obsess over long-dead things.

The New York Times

Let birders obsess over "life lists".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "obsess over" to convey that someone is spending an excessive amount of time thinking about something, often to a degree that is unhealthy or unproductive.

Common error

While "obsess over" is a valid phrase, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "focus on", "concentrate on", or "be preoccupied with" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "obsess over" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating the action of excessively dwelling on or being preoccupied with something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

42%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "obsess over" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating excessive preoccupation with something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, the phrase serves to convey the idea of dwelling on a particular subject to an unhealthy degree. While useful, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "be fixated on" or "be preoccupied with" to maintain writing variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be fixated on

Highlights an unwavering focus, suggesting a slightly stronger degree of intensity.

be preoccupied with

Emphasizes a state of mental absorption, differing in its slightly more formal tone.

preoccupy oneself with

A more formal way of saying "be preoccupied with", emphasizing the act of engaging one's mind.

be consumed by

Indicates that something dominates one's thoughts and feelings entirely.

be engrossed in

Highlights complete absorption and engagement with something.

be hung up on

Conveys an informal sense of being overly concerned or bothered by something.

be wrapped up in

Suggests being fully involved or preoccupied, often to the exclusion of other things.

dwell on

Suggests lingering on a thought or subject, often with a negative connotation.

be deeply involved in

Indicates a strong connection and dedication to a particular subject or activity.

ruminate about

Implies deep and prolonged thought, often circling around a problem or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "obsess over" in a sentence?

You can use "obsess over" to indicate that someone is excessively preoccupied with something. For example: "She tends to "obsess over" minor details when planning events."

What are some alternatives to saying "obsess over"?

Instead of "obsess over", consider using phrases like "be fixated on", "be preoccupied with", or "dwell on" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "obsess over" or "be obsessed with"?

Both "obsess over" and "be obsessed with" are correct, but they have slightly different grammatical structures. "Obsess over" is a phrasal verb, while "be obsessed with" uses the adjective "obsessed". The choice depends on the sentence structure you prefer.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "obsess over"?

Use "obsess over" when you want to emphasize that someone is thinking about something to an excessive or unhealthy degree. It's often used to describe a preoccupation that interferes with daily life or well-being.