preoccupied at present

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupied at present" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is currently busy or distracted with something else. Example: "I'm sorry, but I'm preoccupied at present and cannot take on any additional tasks right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Matters international, however, preoccupy him at present.

The Guardian - Sport

But Sir George is a bit preoccupied at the moment.

The New Yorker

She is a handsome performer, though her choreography was slight, and too preoccupied at times with incorporating a small stool.

The New York Times - Arts

In both decades, we became at best preoccupied, at worst obsessed, with the end of things.

The Guardian - Books

They reported that they had been preoccupied at home or had been travelling and so had been unable to attend.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

But then, Deenmamode doesn't seem overly preoccupied with the present, although he did perform at last October's Liverpool Psych Fest, which makes frazzled sense.

The Guardian - Music

Both are preoccupied by the present.

The New Yorker

Importantly, the report has nothing to say about the banking issue that preoccupies the public at present – bank bonuses.

The Guardian - Opinion

His own reforms, such as introducing a simplified, single-rate foreign-exchange mechanism, private banks and mobile phones, remain on the drawing-board.And at present Mr Assad is more preoccupied with politics.

The Economist

Too many of us listen to each other with half an ear, preoccupied and not fully present.

University of California, Berkeley

At present, the I.T.U.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupied at present" to politely indicate temporary unavailability, particularly in formal contexts. It suggests a current focus on something else without explicitly stating the reason.

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupied at present" in very informal situations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "busy right now" or "tied up" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupied at present" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a subject to indicate their current state of being absorbed or engaged in something else. Though Ludwig lacks direct examples, the construction is grammatically sound and understandable.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preoccupied at present" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely indicate that someone is currently busy or distracted. While Ludwig doesn't offer examples of its direct use, the phrase is understandable and more suitable for professional or neutral contexts. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives like "busy right now" are preferred. The selection of contextually appropriate synonyms ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

preoccupied right now

Very close in meaning, but uses "right now" instead of "at present".

presently occupied

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the state of being busy.

currently engaged

Focuses on active involvement rather than potential distraction.

unavailable currently

Directly states the lack of availability.

currently busy

A simpler and more direct way of saying someone is not available.

otherwise engaged

A polite way of saying someone is busy with something else.

tied up at the moment

Suggests a temporary state of being unavailable due to a commitment.

absorbed at the moment

Emphasizes deep focus and immersion in something.

distracted right now

Highlights the state of having one's attention diverted.

currently engrossed

Implies being completely absorbed in something, possibly creatively or intellectually.

FAQs

What does "preoccupied at present" mean?

The phrase "preoccupied at present" means someone is currently busy or distracted with something else and therefore not fully available. It implies a temporary state of absorption in a task or thought.

How can I use "preoccupied at present" in a sentence?

You can use it to explain why someone is not giving their full attention, such as, "I'm sorry, but I'm "preoccupied at present" and cannot take on any additional tasks."

What can I say instead of "preoccupied at present"?

You can use alternatives like "currently busy", "presently occupied", or "tied up at the moment" depending on the context.

Is "preoccupied at present" formal or informal?

The phrase "preoccupied at present" tends to be more formal than informal. In casual conversations, simpler phrases like "busy right now" are more appropriate.