preoccupied by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupied by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being absorbed or distracted by something, often to the point of neglecting other matters. Example: "She was preoccupied by her thoughts about the upcoming exam, making it difficult for her to concentrate on the conversation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You seem preoccupied by this soirée".

The New Yorker

Philosophers have long been preoccupied by gesture.

The New York Times

Both are preoccupied by the present.

The New Yorker

The state is preoccupied by economic worries.

The New York Times

Typically, they are preoccupied by images of the dead.

The New Yorker

But the city was preoccupied by an upsurge in violence.

The Economist

But it became preoccupied by bizarre intrigues over intelligence.

The Economist

This year they will be preoccupied by an absent friend.

The Economist

But not all Kashmiris are preoccupied by these religious matters.

The New York Times

Others were preoccupied by Bush, or by the coming election.

The New Yorker

Jim Shepard has always been preoccupied by history.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupied by" when you want to emphasize that someone's thoughts are dominating their attention, possibly to the exclusion of other things. For example, "She was so preoccupied by the upcoming presentation that she forgot to eat lunch."

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupied by" to describe fleeting or minor concerns. This phrase implies a significant degree of mental absorption; reserve it for situations where the focus is intense and sustained. For instance, saying someone is "preoccupied by what to have for lunch" might be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupied by" functions as an adjective phrase followed by a preposition, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of being mentally or emotionally absorbed in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preoccupied by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a state of being deeply absorbed or engrossed in something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable. Primarily found in News & Media, Scientific, and Encyclopedia contexts, it serves to communicate intense mental focus, often to the exclusion of other concerns. When using this phrase, it's best to reserve it for situations where the preoccupation is significant and sustained, rather than trivial matters. While synonyms like "absorbed in" and "engrossed in" offer similar meanings, "preoccupied by" often emphasizes the external cause of the focus. With a solid expert rating and wide usage, "preoccupied by" remains a reliable choice for expressing deep mental engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorbed in

Indicates complete mental engagement, similar to being preoccupied, but emphasizes immersion.

immersed in

Highlights the experience of being deeply involved or absorbed, like being submerged in something.

engrossed in

Implies a deep level of focus and captivation, highlighting a strong interest.

wrapped up in

Suggests being completely involved or immersed, emphasizing a sense of enclosure.

consumed by

Suggests being overwhelmed or dominated by a thought or feeling, adding a sense of intensity.

fixated on

Implies an obsessive focus, which can be more intense than simply being preoccupied.

obsessed with

Similar to fixated on, but with a stronger connotation of unhealthy or irrational focus.

concerned with

Focuses on worry or anxiety, suggesting a more negative or apprehensive state of mind.

focused on

Indicates a deliberate concentration of attention, suggesting a more controlled state of mind.

thinking about

A more general and less intense way of expressing preoccupation, simply indicating mental attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "preoccupied by" to describe someone or something that is deeply absorbed or engrossed in a particular thought, activity, or concern. For example, "The city was "preoccupied by" an upsurge in violence."

What's the difference between "preoccupied by" and "focused on"?

"Preoccupied by" suggests that thoughts are dominating someone's attention, possibly to the exclusion of other things. "Focused on", in contrast, implies a deliberate concentration of attention. You're "preoccupied by" something that keeps coming to your mind, while you're "focused on" something you're trying to achieve.

What can I say instead of "preoccupied by"?

You can use alternatives like "absorbed in", "engrossed in", or "consumed by" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "preoccupied with" instead of "preoccupied by"?

While "preoccupied with" is also grammatically correct and commonly used, "preoccupied by" often suggests that the preoccupation is caused by an external factor or situation. "Preoccupied with" might indicate a more internal or inherent trait.