preoccupy me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupy me" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means to consume one's thoughts or attention, usually in a worrying or obsessive manner. Example: My upcoming presentation is starting to preoccupy me. I can't stop thinking about it and preparing for it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

But those aren't the things that preoccupy me.

The Guardian - Film

But then the idea of him began to preoccupy me, like an unsolved mystery.

The New Yorker

And it was like heaven sent to preoccupy me during a terrible, terrible, terrible time".

The Guardian - Books

I'm not sure a male voice could have successfully examined the minutiae of female interactions that preoccupy me here.

The New Yorker

I have been writing about writers and their families so it is strange that the idea of rights versus responsibilities does not preoccupy me.

The New York Times

Most of it goes in the bin, but I find I return again and again to the things that preoccupy me.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"Envisioning my mother in bed with anyone, male or female, was not something that preoccupied me.

The New York Times - Books

All these questions preoccupied me for the rest of the two hour journey home.

The Guardian

This question has preoccupied me for much of my playwriting career.

The Guardian

The thing that is preoccupying me is the warning that bees release pheromones when they die.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The anxiety preoccupied me to such an extent that I almost didn't do it.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupy me" when you want to express that something is constantly on your mind, often in a way that is distracting or concerning. It's suitable for conveying a sense of mental absorption.

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupy me" excessively in everyday conversation. It can sound overly formal or dramatic. Simpler alternatives like "I'm thinking about it" or "it's on my mind" might be more appropriate in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupy me" functions as a verb phrase indicating that something is dominating one's thoughts or attention. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preoccupy me" is a grammatically correct and relatively common way to express that something is taking up a significant amount of one's thoughts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its appearance in reliable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times. While appropriate for neutral to formal contexts, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. Related phrases like "consume my thoughts" or "absorb my attention" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When writing, consider the level of formality and the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

consume my thoughts

This alternative highlights the extent to which something fills one's mind.

absorb my attention

Focuses on the capturing of one's focus.

dominate my mind

Emphasizes the controlling aspect of the preoccupation.

be uppermost in my mind

Indicates that something is the most important or prevalent thought.

weigh heavily on my mind

Suggests a burdensome or worrisome preoccupation.

fill my head

Highlights the extent of occupying the mental space.

engross me

Implies a deep and immersive level of interest.

monopolize my attention

Stresses the exclusive claim on one's focus.

obsess me

Suggests a compulsive and persistent preoccupation.

haunt me

Suggests a persistent and often unsettling preoccupation.

FAQs

How can I use "preoccupy me" in a sentence?

You can use "preoccupy me" to express that something is constantly on your mind. For example, "The upcoming exam is starting to "preoccupy me"."

What's a less formal alternative to "preoccupy me"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative, consider phrases like "on my mind" or "thinking about". These convey a similar meaning without sounding overly formal.

Is it correct to say "preoccupied me" instead of "preoccupy me"?

Yes, "preoccupied me" is the past tense of "preoccupy me". Use "preoccupied me" when referring to something that has already consumed your thoughts in the past. For example, "The project "preoccupied me" for weeks."

What's the nuance between "worry me" and "preoccupy me"?

"Worry me" suggests a sense of anxiety or concern, while ""preoccupy me"" simply means something is taking up a lot of your thoughts, not necessarily negatively. However, preoccupation often implies underlying worry.