preoccupied with the task

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupied with the task" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is deeply focused or absorbed in a particular task or activity. Example: "She was so preoccupied with the task that she didn't notice the time passing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ice-cream makers have, for some time, been preoccupied with the task of inserting a decent glug of alcohol into their produce.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Part of the reason is that mid workout, your body is pumped up and preoccupied with the task at hand.

Huffington Post

This will often keep your mind preoccupied with the task at hand so you can't think about other things.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is Wednesday, salting day, so Mr. Eckhouse is preoccupied with the central task of making his prosciutto: coating the carefully trimmed hind leg of a pig with sea salt.

The New York Times - Food

The character of Agnès, preoccupied with the mundane task of cleaning, allows Vickers to move out of the cathedral's imposing shadow, to describe small parts of it in minute detail.

The Guardian - Books

From the very beginning until 2008, when India sent up a lunar orbiter that disappeared halfway into its intended mission life, the nation's space program was preoccupied with the practical task of launching cheap and locally made communications and weather satellites.

The New York Times

As depicted by historian Nathaniel Philbrick, Bradford and Standish were frequently preoccupied with the complex task of reacting to threats against both the Pilgrims and the Pokanokets from tribes such as the Massachusett and the Narragansett.

Wikipedia

The staff who were in place were preoccupied with the basic tasks of administering the healthcare system, coordinating donor/NGO activity, and beginning the gradual process of transferring responsibility for healthcare functions to municipalities.

Conflict and Health

An end to prematch television interviews in the tunnel The players are preoccupied with the match to come; the interviewer is preoccupied because the players are preoccupied.

The New York Times - Sports

The European Union is still preoccupied with the euro crisis.

The Economist

Instead, he is preoccupied with the prospective death of Belgium.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "preoccupied with the task", ensure that the context clearly indicates the specific task or activity being focused on. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupied with the task" too frequently without providing specific details about the task itself. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, vary your language and provide context to maintain reader interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupied with the task" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being deeply absorbed or engaged. It indicates a strong focus or involvement in a specific activity, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preoccupied with the task" is a grammatically sound and relatively uncommon expression used to describe a state of deep focus and engagement in a particular activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, including news, wiki, and scientific domains. While versatile, it is important to ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific task to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "engrossed in the task" or "absorbed in the task" can provide similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Although not frequently used, it is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engrossed in the task

Focuses on being deeply absorbed and completely involved, emphasizing immersion in the activity.

absorbed in the task

Highlights the state of being completely engaged, suggesting that attention is fully captured.

focused on the task

Emphasizes the act of concentrating efforts and attention directly on the activity.

consumed by the task

Indicates that the task dominates one's thoughts and time, suggesting an overwhelming involvement.

immersed in the task

Suggests a deep and thorough involvement, similar to being submerged in an activity.

engaging in the task

Highlights the action of participating and becoming involved in the activity at hand.

dedicated to the task

Indicates commitment and focused effort toward completing the activity.

attentive to the task

Emphasizes careful observation and focus, suggesting a detailed approach.

concentrating on the task

Highlights the mental effort of directing one's thoughts solely towards the activity.

wrapped up in the task

Implies a state of being so involved that one is unaware of the surroundings or other concerns.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "preoccupied with the task" in a sentence?

To effectively use "preoccupied with the task", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific task and why the subject is absorbed in it. For example, "The scientist was so "preoccupied with the task" of data analysis that she lost track of time".

What are some alternatives to saying "preoccupied with the task"?

Alternatives to "preoccupied with the task" include "engrossed in the task", "absorbed in the task", or "focused on the task". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "preoccupied with the task" and "concerned with the task"?

"Preoccupied with the task" suggests a deeper level of absorption and focus, often to the exclusion of other things. "Concerned with the task" implies attentiveness and responsibility but not necessarily complete immersion. Choose the phrase that best reflects the subject's level of involvement.

When is it appropriate to use "preoccupied with the task" in formal writing?

It is appropriate to use "preoccupied with the task" in formal writing when you want to convey that someone is deeply focused and dedicated to a particular activity. Ensure the context supports this level of engagement and that the tone of the writing is appropriate.