overly preoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "overly preoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is excessively focused or absorbed in something, often to the detriment of other responsibilities or concerns. Example: "She was overly preoccupied with her work, neglecting her health and personal relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

In an article by the Henley Centre for HR Excellence, "a significant proportion of respondents believe that their heads of HR are overly preoccupied with a narrow HR agenda". So, you see, the solution cannot be found in clever titles because the problem is rooted in perceptions based on experience.

HuffPost

"We're overly preoccupied with numbers," says Ms. Levine.

The New York Times

But then the Velvet Underground were never overly preoccupied with crowd-pleasing.

The Guardian - Music

A terrorist-generated pandemic is a worrisome threat, but there are reasons not to be overly preoccupied with the prospect.

The New York Times

In a Time magazine column the other day, Joe Klein scolded the Democrats for being overly preoccupied with identity politics.

The New York Times

Admittedly, Christians have sometimes been overly preoccupied with defending creedal assertions at the expense of communal practice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

They have been too preoccupied with absolutist notions of what it means for managers to be ethical, with overly general criticisms of capitalism as an economic system, with dense and abstract theorizing, and with prescriptions that apply only remotely to managerial practice.

Harvard Business Review

Courtiers became overly refined with little to do, insulated from reality, preoccupied with the minutiae of court life, turning to artistic endeavors.

Wikipedia

If you want to stop being bothered by what others are thinking of you, or if you are overly self-critical, try to collect those thoughts, and use it to fuel you forward, rather than get you preoccupied.

HuffPost

Alas, ministers are preoccupied.

The Economist

Roger is similarly preoccupied.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using "overly preoccupied". In formal settings, "excessively focused" or "unduly concerned" may be more appropriate. In more informal settings, "too focused" might work.

Common error

Avoid using "overly preoccupied" without providing context about what the person or entity is preoccupied with. Without this context, the statement lacks meaning and can confuse the reader. Always specify the object or subject of the preoccupation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "overly preoccupied" functions as an adjective phrase, where "overly" modifies the adjective "preoccupied". It describes a state of being excessively or inappropriately focused on something. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "overly preoccupied" is a commonly used phrase to describe an excessive level of focus or concern that is often seen as detrimental. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it can be used in formal and informal settings, it's essential to provide context to what the subject is "overly preoccupied" with, to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "excessively absorbed" or "unduly concerned" can be used for similar effect, depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessively absorbed

Focuses more on the level of absorption, implying a deep immersion.

unduly concerned

Shifts the focus to the level of concern or worry.

excessively focused

Highlights the intensity of focus on a specific subject or object.

unduly fixated

Emphasizes the compulsive nature of the focus.

inordinately absorbed

Stresses the unusual or excessive nature of the absorption.

excessively engrossed

Highlights the depth and completeness of the absorption.

too concerned

A more direct and simple way to express excessive concern.

unduly engaged

Suggests an inappropriate level of involvement or engagement.

excessively attentive

Focuses on the excessive attention given to something.

unduly interested

Emphasizes the inappropriate level of interest in something.

FAQs

How can I use "overly preoccupied" in a sentence?

You can use "overly preoccupied" to describe someone excessively focused on something, like: "She was "overly preoccupied" with her work, neglecting her health."

What phrases are similar to "overly preoccupied"?

Similar phrases include "excessively absorbed", "unduly concerned", or "excessively focused".

Is it better to say "overly preoccupied" or "too preoccupied"?

"Overly preoccupied" and "too preoccupied" are similar, but "overly" suggests a judgment that the preoccupation is excessive or inappropriate. "Too preoccupied" is a more general statement of being very absorbed.

What does it mean to be "overly preoccupied" with something?

To be "overly preoccupied" with something means to be excessively absorbed or concerned with it, often to the detriment of other important aspects of life or responsibilities.