preoccupying thought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preoccupying thought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a thought that occupies one's mind persistently or excessively. Example: "Despite the beautiful scenery around her, her preoccupying thought was the upcoming exam that she felt unprepared for."

✓ Grammatically correct

Appetite

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

These dieting-related differences were most evident on moderately complex trials, and were partially mediated by preoccupying thoughts about food, weight and body shape, but not by BMI or depressed affect.

Appetite

"I fill up so many unoccupied moments with preoccupying thoughts -- to-do lists, ideas for scripts, investment plans -- that I fail to live the moment itself.

The New York Times

Serotonin activity is also low in O.C.D., which fits with all the preoccupied thoughts you can't get out of your mind in early love".

The New York Times

Does thinking about games preoccupy his/her thoughts?

Los Angeles Times

Miriam gets preoccupied with thoughts of the funeral of the killed people.

The New Yorker

When King wakes in the night, he is not preoccupied with thoughts of death.

The Guardian - Books

When MPs return to Westminster from their extended summer break today, one subject will preoccupy their thoughts.

Independent

Mr. Alfonzo that said he, like many of his friends, was preoccupied by thoughts of employment, graduate school and travel.

The New York Times

I was preoccupied with thoughts and fears of losing her, and I was very afraid of witnessing her physical deterioration and her death.

The New York Times

I realize not everyone in the Westfield is preoccupied with thoughts of the terror attacks that the Oculus is meant to memorialize.

The Guardian

Through her novels, short stories, poems and essays, she is outspoken about racism, sexism and other subjects that preoccupy her thoughts.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preoccupying thought" when you want to emphasize that a particular thought is consistently occupying someone's mind, often to the exclusion of other thoughts.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "preoccupying thought" can sound overly formal or intense in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "main thought" or "biggest concern" in less serious situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preoccupying thought" functions as a noun phrase, where "preoccupying" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "thought". Ludwig's examples suggest that this phrase describes a thought that persistently occupies one's mind.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Appetite

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "preoccupying thought" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a thought that consistently occupies one's mind. Ludwig AI indicates that while it is correct, it might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Its usage is more common in neutral and serious contexts such as news, science, and formal discussions, though it can be used in diverse contexts. Related phrases include "dominant thought", "obsessive thought", and "consuming thought". When using "preoccupying thought", consider whether a simpler or more direct phrase might be more appropriate for your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominant thought

Changes the adjective to emphasize the thought's controlling influence.

obsessive thought

Highlights the repetitive and intrusive nature of the thought.

consuming thought

Emphasizes how much the thought occupies one's mind.

overwhelming thought

Focuses on the intensity and impact of the thought.

central thought

Indicates that the thought is the main focus.

primary concern

Shifts from thought to concern, indicating something of great importance on someone's mind.

constant worry

Frames the thought as a source of anxiety.

haunting thought

Suggests the thought is persistent and distressing.

nagging thought

Implies the thought is bothersome and difficult to dismiss.

lingering thought

Highlights the thought's tendency to remain in one's mind over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "preoccupying thought" to describe a thought that dominates someone's mind. For example, "Despite the beautiful scenery, her "preoccupying thought" was the upcoming exam".

What are some alternatives to "preoccupying thought"?

Some alternatives include "dominant thought", "obsessive thought", or "consuming thought" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "preoccupying thought" a formal or informal expression?

"Preoccupying thought" tends to be more formal. In informal contexts, simpler phrases like "main thought" or "biggest concern" might be more appropriate.

When is it appropriate to use "preoccupying thought"?

It is appropriate when you want to highlight the persistent and often intrusive nature of a thought that is constantly on someone's mind, often causing distraction or concern. It's suited for more formal or serious contexts.