we were preoccupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we were preoccupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being distracted or absorbed in thoughts, making it difficult to focus on other matters. Example: "During the meeting, we were preoccupied with our upcoming project deadlines and didn't notice the changes in the agenda."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

This was said in passing, as we were preoccupied with talk about work, friends, etc.

Cornell University

See, for 45 years we were preoccupied with the Red Army.

The New York Times

We often forget where we put our house keys because we were preoccupied with something else (absent-mindedness).

The New York Times - Books

We were preoccupied with our Central American invasions and problems and our intentions of continuing the cold war, even when it was over.

The New York Times - Arts

"While we were preoccupied with arming our military with high-tech weapons, we have not prepared ourselves against asymmetrical-weapons attack by the North".

The New York Times

Her intuition is that when we expect the details to be available later, we're better at looking for larger messages that might be obscured if we were preoccupied with minutiae.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But we are preoccupied.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're preoccupied with achieving the American dream".

The New York Times

We are preoccupied with repairs, restorations, reparations, reformations — attempts to redo or reconceive the past.

The New York Times - Arts

We are preoccupied by the size of things: big cars, big sandwiches, and big salaries.

Harvard Business Review

Gardeners strive endlessly to partner plants together, then nature throws up something brilliant while we're preoccupied with the effort.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we were preoccupied" to subtly convey a reason for oversight or lack of attention, softening potential criticism or blame. It suggests a temporary state of being rather than negligence.

Common error

Avoid consistently using "we were preoccupied" as a recurring explanation for mistakes or missed opportunities. It can diminish credibility and suggest a lack of responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we were preoccupied" functions as a clause element, typically an adverbial, modifying a verb or clause. It indicates a reason or explanation for a previous action or lack thereof, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we were preoccupied" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to explain a lack of attention due to being absorbed in thought or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English and suitable for diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia. While it's a helpful way to provide context, avoid overusing it to maintain credibility. Consider alternatives like "we were distracted" or "we were absorbed" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were absorbed

Emphasizes complete mental engagement, shifting focus from external distractions to internal thoughts.

we were distracted

Highlights a divided attention, indicating an inability to concentrate due to external stimuli.

we were engrossed

Suggests being deeply involved and captivated by something, often implying a pleasant experience.

we were consumed

Implies that thoughts or concerns are dominating one's mental state.

we were caught up

Indicates being involved in something to the extent that other things are forgotten.

we were focused elsewhere

Directly states that attention was directed to something other than the immediate situation.

our minds were elsewhere

Emphasizes the mental detachment from the present moment.

we were lost in thought

Suggests a state of deep contemplation, where external awareness is diminished.

we were deep in thought

Similar to "lost in thought", emphasizing the intensity and depth of the thinking process.

we weren't paying attention

States a direct lack of attentiveness to the current situation or surroundings.

FAQs

What does "we were preoccupied" mean?

It means that a group of people were so absorbed in their thoughts or activities that they did not pay attention to something else.

How can I use "we were preoccupied" in a sentence?

You can say, "We were preoccupied with the upcoming deadline and didn't notice the email."

What can I say instead of "we were preoccupied"?

You can use alternatives like "we were distracted", "we were absorbed", or "we were engrossed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we are preoccupied" or "we were preoccupied"?

Both are correct, but "we are preoccupied" indicates a current state, while "we were preoccupied" indicates a past state. Choose the tense that matches the timing of the situation you're describing.