utterly absorbed in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utterly absorbed in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is completely engrossed or focused on a particular activity or subject. Example: "She was utterly absorbed in her book, oblivious to the noise around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

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

Independent

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

The Guardian

Her characters make an exclusive diet of one another; she once defined happiness as "to be utterly absorbed in at least six other human beings".

The New Yorker

I knew what it was to be utterly absorbed in a book, sometimes to the exasperation of my family and friends.

The New York Times - Books

The persona she has crafted is strangely Pollyanna-ish and utterly absorbed in her own point of view: "I wear this St.

The New Yorker

The Maya were thought to be utterly absorbed in their religious and cultural pursuits, in favourable contrast to the more warlike and sanguinary indigenous empires of central Mexico.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Anyone who has ever spent any time with Ted will understand just how utterly absorbed he can be in the technicalities of sport.

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Film

"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

I was also utterly absorbed by The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (Fleet), the nail-biting story of a woman's escape from life as a slave on a cotton plantation in Georgia.

The Guardian - Books

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utterly absorbed in" to vividly describe a state of complete focus or immersion in an activity or subject. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the degree to which someone is engaged, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing.

Common error

Avoid using multiple intensifiers with "utterly absorbed in". For example, saying "completely utterly absorbed in" is redundant. The word "utterly" already provides sufficient emphasis, so additional intensifiers are unnecessary and can weaken the impact of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utterly absorbed in" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of complete immersion or focus. Ludwig examples show it used to describe people engrossed in activities like reading, work, or artistic pursuits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "utterly absorbed in" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that vividly describes a state of complete focus or immersion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is effective in conveying the degree to which someone is engaged in an activity, making it suitable for various writing styles. While versatile, it's best to avoid redundant intensifiers. Alternatives like "completely engrossed in" or "totally immersed in" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. Analysis of Ludwig examples indicates its prevalence in news and media, highlighting its widespread applicability in describing intense concentration or captivation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely engrossed in

Emphasizes a total state of mental occupation.

totally immersed in

Highlights being deeply involved, as if submerged in something.

entirely captivated by

Focuses on the charm or allure that holds one's attention.

deeply involved in

Suggests active participation and engagement.

completely focused on

Stresses the concentration of one's attention.

entirely consumed by

Indicates that something fills one's thoughts and time.

lost in

Implies a detachment from the surrounding environment due to focus.

preoccupied with

Suggests that thoughts are dominated by a particular subject.

engrossed by

Highlights the captivation of the subject's attention.

enthralled by

Focuses on the feeling of being charmed and fascinated.

FAQs

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

Use "utterly absorbed in" to describe someone completely focused on something. For example, "She was "utterly absorbed in" her book, oblivious to the noise around her."

What are some alternatives to "utterly absorbed in"?

Alternatives include "completely engrossed in", "totally immersed in", or "entirely captivated by", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "utterly absorbed in" formal or informal?

"Utterly absorbed in" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its effectiveness lies in its vivid description of complete focus.

What's the difference between "utterly absorbed in" and "interested in"?

"Interested in" implies a general curiosity or liking, while "utterly absorbed in" suggests a complete immersion and focus, to the point of being oblivious to other things.