preoccupied with ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupied with ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deeply absorbed or absorbed in their thoughts or concepts, often to the point of distraction. Example: "She was so preoccupied with ideas about her new project that she forgot to eat lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It had been a magazine of exceptional quality, preoccupied with ideas rather than facts, with an international readership, and in the dozen years of its existence it caused storms.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Met defines its stalking targets as those who are "abnormally preoccupied with certain ideas or people".

The Economist

More at www.cipd.co.uk I've just finished the second year of a philosophy degree and am worried employers will see me as preoccupied with abstract ideas rather than business situations.

The Guardian

When your awareness is not preoccupied with content (ideas, thoughts, reactions, feelings, etc).

Huffington Post

He became preoccupied with the idea of reviving the dishes known by past generations.

The New Yorker

"We weren't preoccupied with the idea that we'd find deception," Dr. Plath said.

The New York Times - Science

Godelieva was preoccupied with the idea that she would replicate her parents' mistakes with her own children.

The New Yorker

It was created in the aftermath of the 2007 London bombings, when Mr. McGregor found himself preoccupied with the idea of life underneath the skin of the city.

The New York Times - Arts

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mathematicians and philosophers of mathematics became preoccupied with the idea of securing a firm foundation of mathematics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He became preoccupied with the idea of a device that could transcribe and preserve the voices of actors and musicians for posterity.

The New Yorker

However, it is clear that Hughes had been preoccupied with the idea for a while before he mentioned it to Weissbort.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "preoccupied with ideas", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether this preoccupation is beneficial (e.g., leading to innovation) or detrimental (e.g., causing distraction or neglect of other responsibilities).

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupied with ideas" when the focus is on practical actions or tangible results. This phrase is best suited for scenarios involving abstract thought, theories, or creative endeavors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupied with ideas" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe someone who is deeply absorbed or engrossed in their thoughts and concepts. As Ludwig AI suggests, this implies a state of being lost in thought.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preoccupied with ideas" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to describe someone deeply absorbed in their thoughts, particularly abstract or intellectual concepts. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile enough for use in news articles, encyclopedias, and general writing, although it leans toward a neutral-to-formal register. While alternatives like "absorbed in thought" or "engrossed in concepts" exist, "preoccupied with ideas" distinctly emphasizes the cognitive and intellectual aspect of this absorption. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its focus on abstract thought and consider whether a more neutral or formal tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorbed in thought

Focuses more on the internal mental state and less on the specific content of the thoughts.

engrossed in concepts

Highlights a deep engagement with abstract ideas.

consumed by thoughts

Suggests a more intense and potentially overwhelming focus on one's thoughts.

fixated on notions

Implies a strong and possibly obsessive focus on particular notions or beliefs.

obsessed with theories

Conveys a preoccupation that is almost compulsive, specifically related to theories.

taken up with musings

Emphasizes a more contemplative and reflective engagement with one's thoughts.

deep in contemplation

Highlights the act of thinking deeply, often in a philosophical or meditative way.

immersed in speculation

Focuses on engaging in conjecture or forming theories without firm evidence.

intrigued by concepts

Suggests a level of interest and fascination with specific concepts.

riveted by ideas

Implies being strongly attracted and held by certain ideas.

FAQs

How can I use "preoccupied with ideas" in a sentence?

You can use "preoccupied with ideas" to describe someone who is deeply absorbed in their thoughts or concepts. For example, "The philosopher was often "preoccupied with ideas" about the nature of reality".

What are some alternatives to "preoccupied with ideas"?

Alternatives include "absorbed in thought", "engrossed in concepts", or "consumed by thoughts", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While "preoccupied by ideas" might be understood, "preoccupied with ideas" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing.

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

"Preoccupied with ideas" suggests a deeper, more immersive, and potentially distracting level of engagement, whereas "focused on ideas" implies a more deliberate and controlled concentration.