preoccupation with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'preoccupation with' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe someone who is overly focused on a particular idea or subject. Example sentence: The professor's preoccupation with philosophy often made it difficult for the students to stay engaged during his lectures.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The preoccupation with squalor.

The New York Times - Books

The novel continues Wallace's preoccupation with mindfulness.

The New Yorker

The preoccupation with the world's oldest profession.

The New York Times - Books

11 preoccupation with bioterrorism's lurking residue.

The New York Times

Their preoccupation with mortality is raw.

The Guardian - Music

This also explains authoritarians' preoccupation with luxury.

The New Yorker

His preoccupation with the war remained profound.

The New York Times - Books

Then there's his recurring preoccupation with sex.

The Guardian - Film

And then there's the preoccupation with death.

The Guardian - Music

Why the preoccupation with under-age girls?

The New York Times

Nor is growing preoccupation with digital technology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupation with" to accurately convey a state of intense focus or concern, ensuring the context supports the strength of this expression.

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupation with" when describing casual interest. Reserve it for situations where the focus is unusually intense or persistent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupation with" functions as a noun phrase, often used as a complement to a verb. It describes a state of being intensely focused on or absorbed by something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preoccupation with" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey a state of being intensely focused or absorbed in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, though most commonly found in News & Media. When using the phrase, ensure that the intensity of focus is accurately represented and that the context fits the implication of a deep and persistent interest. Consider alternatives like "fascination with" or "interest in" for milder forms of attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fixation on

Indicates a more intense and potentially obsessive focus.

obsession with

Implies an irrational and uncontrollable focus.

fascination with

Suggests a strong interest and attraction.

absorption in

Highlights a state of being completely engrossed.

concern with

Emphasizes worry or interest in a particular issue.

interest in

A general term for having a focus on something.

engagement with

Highlights active involvement and focus.

enthralled by

Suggests being captivated and deeply interested.

consumed by

Implies being overwhelmed and dominated by a focus.

hung up on

An informal way to describe being overly concerned or focused.

FAQs

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

Use "preoccupation with" to describe someone's excessive or persistent focus on something. For example, "His preoccupation with cleanliness bordered on obsessive."

What's a less intense alternative to "preoccupation with"?

If you want to express interest without implying obsession, consider alternatives such as "interest in", "fascination with", or "concern for".

Is it correct to say "preoccupation for" instead of "preoccupation with"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "preoccupation" is "with". "Preoccupation for" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "preoccupation with" and "obsession with"?

"Preoccupation with" implies a strong focus, while "obsession with" suggests an irrational and uncontrollable focus that may interfere with daily life.