point of preoccupation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "point of preoccupation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific issue or concern that someone is focused on or worried about. Example: "The point of preoccupation for the team was the upcoming deadline, which seemed increasingly difficult to meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It wouldn't become a point of preoccupation for people to need to establish which category they can put you in based on your sexuality, gender, race, class status, job, diet... whatever.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is possible that the level of preoccupation in childhood SPD coupled with a tendency to experience unusual perceptions may contribute to preoccupations with fantasies.

BioMed Research International

Again, it's really important from a feminist point of view – you can see my preoccupation, can't you?

The Guardian

Several studies point out that preoccupation of being seen entering a sexual health clinic by members of their own community network or running into someone they already know are both barriers to HIV testing in migrants and ethnic minorities [ 29- 31].

BMC Public Health

That last reference point, a longtime preoccupation of Mr. Zorn, occasionally registered as a howling presence.

The New York Times

That surely is a result of preoccupation with structure.

The New Yorker

Good god — this requires months, even years of preoccupation.

The New Yorker

"This possibility is obviously a cause of preoccupation for Israel.

The Guardian

Amount of preoccupation was correlated with the duration of preoccupation (0.47) and disruption to life (0.45); duration of preoccupation with disruption to life (0.42); amount of distress with intensity of distress (0.57).

BMC Psychiatry

The items for delusions are: amount of preoccupation, duration of preoccupation, conviction, amount of distress, intensity of distress and disruption of life.

BMC Psychiatry

Look for signs of preoccupation with food.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "point of preoccupation" when you want to highlight a specific issue that dominates someone's thoughts or actions. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts but consider synonyms like "focus of attention" for a more neutral tone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "point of preoccupation" too frequently in casual conversation can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "main concern" or "focus" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "point of preoccupation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It identifies a particular concern or issue that dominates someone's thoughts, aligning with the Ludwig AI analysis which confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "point of preoccupation" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a significant area of focus or concern. While recognized as correct and usable according to Ludwig, it is relatively rare, appearing more frequently in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. For more informal contexts, alternatives such as "focus of attention" or "main concern" may be more appropriate. As Ludwig suggests, being mindful of the context and audience ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief preoccupation

A more formal synonym, emphasizing the foremost concern.

core preoccupation

Highlights the central aspect of what someone is constantly thinking about.

focus of attention

Implies a central area of interest or scrutiny, not necessarily negative.

major focus

A simpler and more neutral way to express the main area of interest.

main concern

Highlights the primary issue causing worry or consideration.

key concern

Highlights the significant issue being addressed.

prime consideration

Suggests the most important factor to consider.

central fixation

Suggests an obsessive or unhealthy focus.

principal worry

Emphasizes the main source of anxiety or unease.

primary obsession

Indicates a dominating and potentially irrational focus.

FAQs

How can I use "point of preoccupation" in a sentence?

You can use "point of preoccupation" to describe the main issue or subject that someone is constantly thinking about or focusing on. For example, "The "point of preoccupation" for the team was the upcoming deadline".

What can I say instead of "point of preoccupation"?

Alternatives to "point of preoccupation" include "focus of attention", "main concern", or "chief preoccupation", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a point of preoccupation" or "the point of preoccupation"?

Both "a point of preoccupation" and "the point of preoccupation" are grammatically correct, but their usage depends on the context. "A point of preoccupation" suggests one of several concerns, while "the point of preoccupation" indicates the primary or most significant concern.

What's the difference between "point of preoccupation" and "obsession"?

"Point of preoccupation" refers to something that is frequently on someone's mind, while "obsession" implies a more intense, often irrational, and potentially unhealthy level of focus. "Obsession" suggests a loss of control, which is not necessarily present with a mere "point of preoccupation".