preoccupying her

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupying her" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is occupying someone's thoughts or attention, often to the point of distraction or concern. Example: "The uncertainty of the future was preoccupying her, making it difficult to focus on her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Then a foundering romantic relationship began preoccupying her when she woke up in the night, and her insomnia worsened.

The New Yorker

Any writer as Bible-steeped as Robinson will produce parables, but her stories encompass political, intellectual and literary histories as well as the spiritual quandaries more obviously preoccupying her.

The Guardian - Books

Her parents have just broken up; her mother, Bianca (Golda Rosheuvel), has a new baby, Charlie, preoccupying her; Aly is in a hostile new school, where the shame of her estranged father's internet gambling addiction eventually catches up with her.

The Guardian - Music

I'm not a pop star or a movie star or a comedian, so I'm going to continue to be serious about the issues, and take them seriously". Reeves said her civil servant husband had been furious and she admitted the comment had been preoccupying her.

The Guardian

Can she talk about if something is preoccupying her or she is worried about something?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Family has always preoccupied her.

The Guardian - Music

The movie preoccupied her, but she liked Martian Time-Slip.

The Guardian - Film

The death of the grown-up has preoccupied her, she says, for the last decade.

The New York Times - Books

One incident in particular preoccupied her at the time - the plight of her schoolmate, Jeremiah Reeves.

The Guardian

Both extremes — the overabundance and the dieting — seem to preoccupy her.

The New York Times - Books

But at other times suicidal reveries come to preoccupy her, and she broods over possible strategies for ending her life.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupying her" to clearly convey that someone is deeply absorbed in thought or concern about a particular subject, often to the exclusion of other things. This suggests a significant emotional or mental investment.

Common error

Avoid using "preoccupying her" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weight that's more appropriate for describing significant concerns or deep thought, not everyday distractions.

Linguistic Context

"Preoccupying her" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being mentally or emotionally absorbed by something. It shows that a particular subject is the primary focus of someone's thoughts, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "preoccupying her" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe a state where someone's thoughts are primarily focused on a specific matter, often implying worry or deep contemplation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it carries a neutral tone, suitable for journalistic and descriptive writing. While effective in conveying a sense of mental absorption, it is important to consider the register and avoid overuse in casual settings. Alternatives such as "occupying her thoughts" or "consuming her mind" may offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupying her thoughts

A more general way of saying something is taking up her mental space.

absorbing her attention

Focuses on the act of capturing her attention completely.

consuming her thoughts

Emphasizes the extent to which her thoughts are dominated by something.

engrossing her mind

Highlights the deep involvement of her mind.

captivating her interest

Suggests a charming or fascinating element that holds her attention.

gripping her attention

Suggests something is tightly holding her focus.

dominating her focus

Emphasizes the complete control over where she directs her attention.

weighing heavily on her

Indicates a burden or worry that is dominating her thoughts.

playing on her mind

Implies something is continuously bothering or concerning her.

troubling her greatly

Highlights that whatever is occupying her is a source of distress.

FAQs

How can I use "preoccupying her" in a sentence?

Use "preoccupying her" to describe a situation where a person's thoughts are mainly focused on a specific matter, often implying worry or deep thought. For example, "The upcoming deadline was preoccupying her, making it hard to relax."

What are some alternatives to "preoccupying her"?

Alternatives include "occupying her thoughts", "consuming her mind", or "weighing heavily on her". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "preoccupying her" formal or informal?

"Preoccupying her" leans towards formal and neutral, best suited for news, reports, or academic writing. In casual conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What does it mean when something is "preoccupying her"?

It means that a particular thought, concern, or problem is constantly on her mind, often to the point of distraction or anxiety. It suggests a persistent mental engagement with the subject at hand.