obsessive with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obsessive with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has an intense preoccupation or fixation on something. Example: "She is obsessive with her fitness routine, spending hours at the gym every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"I was obsessive with writing, but I wasn't ever disciplined.

The Guardian - Books

Jelinek was an "obsessive" with a "single track", Ahnlund added.

The Guardian

Seay, 27, is an obsessive with a business to match.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is not obsessive with work, he doesn't rattle off numbers..

The New York Times

That seems to be obsessive with a small number of people.

The Guardian

Or maybe it's not so deep perhaps Ocean is just a bored obsessive with money to blow.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

An obsession with obsessive love leads to obsessive efforts to revive it: obsession to the power of three.

The Economist

Both are music obsessives, with an encyclopedic knowledge of B-sides.

The New Yorker

Christmas will come early for Bob Dylan obsessives with a new box set containing one disc that consists entirely of minutely-differentiated studio versions of the same classic song.

Independent

It provides a confederation of obsessives with a name, "the seventy-per-cent club" (pure chocolate, "no bonbons") — the snobbiest of the snobby, according to Schilling.

The New Yorker

The always-charming Chris Lowell (who plays Bash, a trust fund wrestling-obsessive with the cash to fund the project) just looks like he belongs in the 80s, right down to being the only man to convincingly say "bitchin'".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "obsessive with" with a specific noun or gerund that identifies the object of obsession, such as "obsessive with details" or "obsessive with cleanliness".

Common error

Be cautious when using the phrase "obsessive with" in sensitive contexts. Overuse can trivialize genuine obsessive-compulsive tendencies, so consider alternatives like "highly focused on" or "extremely dedicated to" when a milder tone is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obsessive with" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun, indicating a strong preoccupation or fixation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a person's intense focus on something, demonstrated by the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obsessive with" is a grammatically correct and commonly used construction to describe someone who has an intense preoccupation or fixation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While generally neutral in register, it appears most frequently in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider whether the intense focus it describes is positive or negative, and ensure it's followed by a noun or gerund that clearly specifies the object of obsession. Ludwig also suggests considering alternatives like "fixated on" or "preoccupied with" to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fixated on

Focuses more on the idea of being stuck or unable to move past something in one's thoughts.

preoccupied with

Suggests a state of being deeply absorbed in thought, often to the exclusion of other things.

consumed by

Implies a complete absorption in something, often to a degree that is overwhelming.

engrossed in

Indicates a state of being completely fascinated and absorbed in something.

enthralled by

Suggests a state of being captivated or charmed by something.

addicted to

Indicates a compulsive need for something, often with negative consequences.

devoted to

Implies a strong commitment or dedication to something.

passionate about

Indicates a strong enthusiasm or love for something.

caught up in

Suggests a state of being deeply involved in something, often unexpectedly.

taken up with

Indicates that someone's time and attention are largely occupied by something.

FAQs

How can I use "obsessive with" in a sentence?

The phrase "obsessive with" is used to describe someone who has an intense preoccupation or fixation on something. For example: "She is "obsessive with" her fitness routine."

What are some alternatives to "obsessive with"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fixated on", "preoccupied with", or "consumed by".

Is it grammatically correct to say "obsessive with"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Obsessive" is an adjective, and "with" is a preposition that connects the adjective to its object.

What is the difference between "obsessive with" and "obsessed with"?

"Obsessive with" and "obsessed with" are often used interchangeably, but "obsessed with" is more common. Both phrases indicate a strong preoccupation, but "obsessed" can sometimes carry a more intense or negative connotation than "obsessive".