preoccupying problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupying problem" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It can be used when discussing an issue that is consuming someone's thoughts or attention, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The preoccupying problem of climate change requires immediate action from all nations."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Don't take on a challenge you find very difficult if you're struggling with an illness, depression or preoccupying problem.

Forbes

For the last decade, the energy supplies has become a very preoccupying problem, not only because of the increasing difficulties bound to oil production, but also because it is necessary today to admit that at the scale of our planet the energy resources, fossil-fuel or other, are limited.

Desalination

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Rashtrakutas were preoccupied with problems in the south.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Congress was preoccupied with problems of inflation and of converting the country to a peacetime economy, however, and paid little heed to the proposals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there is hardly a religious leader in the world now, he says, who is not preoccupied by problems of pollution and climate change.

The Guardian

The best Russian thinkers were preoccupied with the problem of the political and social orientation of their people.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He had been preoccupied with the problem of finding a secure base for jihad, which seemed practically impossible in Egypt.

The New Yorker

Kirsten Ostherr, PhD, MPH is a media scholar and health researcher who is preoccupied with the problem of making data into meaningful stories.

Stanford University

In epistemology, Continental philosophers during the first quarter of the 20th century were preoccupied with the problem of overcoming the apparent gap between the knower and the known.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Other Jacobean dramatic writers became preoccupied with the problem of evil: the plays of John Webster, John Marston, Thomas Middleton, and George Chapman induce all the terror of tragedy but little of its pity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There isn't much levity among them as they wait to see the Bishop; each seems preoccupied with a problem of some gravity.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupying problem" to describe an issue that is currently dominating someone's thoughts or focus. However, be aware that it might sound slightly formal or unusual to some readers.

Common error

While "preoccupying problem" is technically correct, overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for more common alternatives like "pressing issue" or "main concern" for greater clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupying problem" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "preoccupying" modifies the noun "problem". It denotes a specific issue that is currently dominating someone's thoughts or attention. Ludwig examples show its use in describing global energy supplies, personal challenges, and finding secure bases.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preoccupying problem" describes an issue that is dominating someone's thoughts. As Ludwig AI indicates, while grammatically sound, it's not a commonly used phrase and may sound somewhat formal. Its function is to identify and emphasize the significance of a concern, often in news, scientific, or academic contexts. While acceptable, writers should consider more common alternatives like "pressing issue" or "major concern" to enhance clarity and impact. It is important to note the word "preoccupying" signals a high amount of involvement and attention dedicated to the problem under discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressing issue

This alternative emphasizes the urgency and importance of the problem.

overriding concern

This alternative highlights the dominance of the problem over other considerations.

major preoccupation

This alternative focuses on the state of being mentally occupied by the problem.

consuming worry

This alternative suggests the problem causes significant anxiety and absorbs one's thoughts.

significant challenge

This alternative frames the problem as a substantial obstacle to overcome.

topmost priority

This alternative indicates that the problem requires immediate and primary attention.

burning question

This alternative suggests the problem demands immediate answers and resolution.

central difficulty

This alternative focuses on the problem as the core obstacle.

dominant issue

This alternative highlights that the problem is the most important topic.

vexing matter

This alternative implies that the problem is causing frustration and annoyance.

FAQs

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

You can use "preoccupying problem" to describe a significant issue that someone is deeply concerned with. For example, "The "preoccupying problem" of climate change requires immediate attention."

What's a good alternative to "preoccupying problem"?

Alternatives include "pressing issue", "overriding concern", or "major preoccupation" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "preoccupying problem" too formal for casual writing?

Yes, "preoccupying problem" is generally more suitable for formal writing. In casual contexts, phrases like "main worry" or "big issue" might be more appropriate.

Is "preoccupying problem" synonymous with "urgent matter"?

While both phrases describe important issues, ""preoccupying problem"" emphasizes the mental absorption or worry caused by the issue, whereas "urgent matter" highlights the need for immediate action.