preoccupied with learning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupied with learning" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deeply engaged or absorbed in the process of learning, often to the point of distraction from other activities. Example: "She was so preoccupied with learning new languages that she often forgot to take breaks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I was so preoccupied with learning that I didn't realize that I still hadn't told my parents that I was now 100percentt gay.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are preoccupied, in other words, with learning how to make those lens-size blobs more efficiently — not with turning them into hamburgers or meatballs.

The New Yorker

Learning that other parents are preoccupied with the same issues and concerns can increase the parent's feelings of confidence.

BMC Nursing

Since schools had not yet reopened and family members were preoccupied with the brutal rebuilding process, the teenagers took to the internet, learning tricks from YouTube videos.

Vice

If you are preoccupied with work or if your child is too tired or hungry, learning won't occur as quickly as you want it to.

WikiHow

Worst of all, they are preoccupied with tests, and trying to "put numbers around that learning and to rank students in their acquisition of it.

Huffington Post

How much can they learn when they're hungry, or sick, or embarrassed, or preoccupied with the situation at home?

Huffington Post

She's preoccupied with age.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cuomo was preoccupied with safety.

The New York Times

Are Americans preoccupied with work?

The New Yorker

Their minds are preoccupied with oil.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupied with learning" to describe someone who is so focused on gaining knowledge that they may neglect other aspects of their life. For example, "During exam season, she was so preoccupied with learning that she forgot to eat lunch."

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupied with learning" in contexts where the focus on learning does not lead to any negative consequences or neglect of other responsibilities. If the focus is purely positive, consider alternatives like "absorbed in studying" or "engrossed in education".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupied with learning" functions as an adjectival phrase, describing a state of being deeply absorbed or engrossed in the process of acquiring knowledge. As Ludwig AI explains, it's about being intensely focused.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preoccupied with learning" effectively describes a state of deep absorption in acquiring knowledge, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its grammatical correctness and varied usage across news, scientific, and general contexts make it a versatile descriptor. However, it's crucial to consider the connotation of potential neglect when using this phrase, opting for alternatives like "absorbed in studying" if the focus is purely positive. Ludwig provides useful examples highlighting its contextual usage. Keep in mind the frequency of this phrase is not very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engrossed in learning

Emphasizes a complete captivation by the learning process.

absorbed in studying

Focuses on the act of studying rather than learning in general.

immersed in education

Suggests a deep and thorough involvement in an educational environment.

focused on acquiring knowledge

Highlights the intention and effort directed towards gaining knowledge.

devoted to understanding

Emphasizes dedication and commitment to achieving understanding.

caught up in intellectual pursuits

Implies that the focus is on intellectual activities.

enthralled by education

Highlights the joyful aspect of learning.

consumed by academic interests

Suggests learning is a core interest.

obsessed with expanding knowledge

Indicates an unhealthy focus on learning and new things.

wrapped up in intellectual exploration

Focuses on the exploratory nature of learning.

FAQs

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

Use "preoccupied with learning" to describe someone deeply absorbed in the process of gaining knowledge, often to the point of being unaware of other things. For example: "He was so "preoccupied with learning" the intricacies of quantum physics that he forgot to eat dinner".

What are some alternatives to "preoccupied with learning"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "absorbed in studying", "engrossed in learning", or "immersed in education".

Is it appropriate to say someone is "preoccupied with learning" if they are enjoying the process?

Yes, but be mindful of the connotation. While the phrase is grammatically correct, "preoccupied" can suggest that the focus on learning is so intense that it might be causing them to neglect other areas of their life. If it is purely enjoyable and balanced, consider "enthralled by education" or "deeply engaged in learning".

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

"Focused on learning" simply indicates a deliberate and intentional effort to acquire knowledge. "Preoccupied with learning", however, suggests a more intense state of absorption, where the individual's thoughts and attention are largely consumed by the learning process, potentially to the exclusion of other things.