utterly absorbed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly absorbed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is completely engrossed or focused on something, often to the point of being unaware of their surroundings. Example: "She was utterly absorbed in the novel, losing track of time as she turned each page."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They're all utterly absorbed in what they're doing.

Independent

Behind his monitor Fiennes is rocking, stroking his check, utterly absorbed.

The Guardian - Film

These days, it seems, I'm forever navigating around people utterly absorbed in their phones.

The Guardian

"I just remember being utterly absorbed by it, and inspired by Atticus, and very taken by Scout," Mr. Brokaw said.

The New York Times - Books

Beatriz (the soprano Sophie Bevan) and Eduardo (the tenor David Portillo) are engaged and utterly absorbed in themselves.

The New York Times - Arts

New Age philosophy is the clearest example of a utopian movement utterly absorbed by capitalism, which it once (feebly) opposed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Utterly absorbing.

The Guardian - Books

It is utterly absorbing.

The Guardian

Like Rembrandt, he found his own image utterly absorbing.

Independent

It was tense, at times pulsating and utterly absorbing.

The Guardian - Sport

An utterly absorbing study of the surprising diversity of artworks that articulate human-machine relationships.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly absorbed" to vividly depict a character's intense focus or immersion in an activity or thought. For example, "She was utterly absorbed in her painting, oblivious to the noise around her."

Common error

While "utterly absorbed" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overusing it in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "completely focused" or "deeply engaged" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly absorbed" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being completely engrossed or deeply involved. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in depicting intense focus or immersion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Books

20%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utterly absorbed" is a common and grammatically correct adjectival phrase used to describe a state of complete focus or engrossment. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently appears in news, books and arts related contexts. To add variety to your writing, consider using alternatives like "completely engrossed" or "totally captivated", but avoid overusing it in overly formal contexts. When using the phrase be aware that is better to use 'in' when you refer to a subject instead of 'by'.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely engrossed

This alternative emphasizes the state of being fully occupied or engaged, suggesting a deep level of immersion.

totally captivated

This alternative highlights the element of charm and fascination, implying a strong attraction to something.

deeply immersed

This alternative stresses the depth of involvement, suggesting a profound engagement with the subject.

fully engaged

This alternative focuses on the active participation and involvement in an activity or subject.

entirely consumed

This alternative suggests that something takes up all of one's attention and energy, leaving little room for anything else.

wholly preoccupied

This alternative emphasizes the dominance of a particular thought or activity in one's mind.

thoroughly enthralled

This alternative points to a state of being completely fascinated and delighted by something.

absolutely riveted

This alternative conveys a sense of being held spellbound and unable to look away.

intensely focused

This alternative concentrates on the high degree of concentration and attention being given.

singularly attentive

This alternative emphasizes a focused and undivided attention, specifically drawn towards a single subject or task.

FAQs

How can I use "utterly absorbed" in a sentence?

You can use "utterly absorbed" to describe someone's complete focus or engrossment in something. For example, "He was utterly absorbed in the game, not noticing the time passing."

What are some alternatives to "utterly absorbed"?

Some alternatives to "utterly absorbed" include "completely engrossed", "totally captivated", and "deeply immersed".

Is it correct to say "utterly absorbed by" or "utterly absorbed in"?

Both "utterly absorbed by" and "utterly absorbed in" are grammatically correct, but "utterly absorbed in" is more common when referring to an activity or subject. For example, "He was utterly absorbed in his work."

What is the difference between "utterly absorbed" and "slightly absorbed"?

"Utterly absorbed" implies a complete and intense focus, while "slightly absorbed" suggests a mild or partial focus. The word "utterly" intensifies the degree of absorption, indicating a deeper state than just "slightly".