was obsessed with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was obsessed with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong preoccupation or fixation on a particular subject, person, or activity in the past. Example: "He was obsessed with collecting rare coins, spending all his free time researching and acquiring them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was obsessed with him".

The New Yorker

He was obsessed with alchemy.

The Economist

I was obsessed with it".

The New York Times

"I was obsessed with perfection.

The Guardian

My father was obsessed with that".

The New Yorker

"He was obsessed with the organic".

The New York Times

Yes, she was obsessed with her scale.

The New York Times

"I was obsessed with fashion," he said.

The New York Times

Mr Blagojevich was obsessed with raising money.

The Economist

Andy Warhol was obsessed with fame.

The New York Times

I was obsessed with logistics.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was obsessed with" to vividly depict a character's intense passion or preoccupation, making sure the object of their obsession is clearly defined for maximum impact.

Common error

Avoid using "was obsessed with" in highly formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "was highly interested in" or "was deeply involved in" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was obsessed with" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a past tense form of the verb 'to be' followed by the adjective 'obsessed' and the preposition 'with'. This construction indicates a state of being intensely preoccupied or fixated on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was obsessed with" is a grammatically sound and common way to describe a past intense interest or preoccupation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is valid and usable in written English. While appropriate for many contexts, it's important to consider the tone of your writing and opt for more formal alternatives in professional settings. Remember, while vivid and impactful, overuse can diminish its effect. Pay attention to the context, and you'll effectively convey the depth of someone's past fixation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was consumed by

This phrase suggests a total absorption in something, where it dominates one's thoughts and actions.

was captivated by

This indicates being strongly attracted and interested in something.

was fascinated with

Suggests a deep interest and curiosity about something.

was engrossed in

Indicates being completely focused and absorbed in an activity or subject.

was fixated on

This implies an intense and often unwavering focus on something, sometimes to an excessive degree.

had a passion for

Indicates a strong enthusiasm and love for something.

was keen on

Suggests a strong liking and interest in something.

was enthusiastic about

Expresses excitement and positive interest in something.

was deeply into

An informal way of saying someone had a strong interest in something.

had a preoccupation with

Suggests that someone's thoughts were frequently and extensively focused on something.

FAQs

How can I use "was obsessed with" in a sentence?

Use "was obsessed with" to describe a past intense interest or preoccupation. For example, "She was obsessed with collecting vintage records".

What are some alternatives to "was obsessed with"?

You can use alternatives like "was captivated by", "was fascinated with", or "was engrossed in" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "was obsessed with" and "was interested in"?

"Was obsessed with" implies a much stronger, almost compulsive interest, while "was interested in" suggests a more casual level of interest.

Is "was obsessed with" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "was obsessed with" is generally better suited for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "was deeply involved in" or "was highly interested in".