wholly occupied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wholly occupied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being completely engaged or involved in something, leaving no room for other activities or thoughts. Example: "She was wholly occupied with her studies, leaving little time for socializing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The rear of the gallery is wholly occupied by a single, luminescent landscape of the Yosemite Valley, painted in 1867 by the Hudson River School artist Albert Bierstadt.

The New York Times - Travel

Forty years ago this month, during an afternoon of high drama, Niki Lauda was a witness to an outbreak of audible dissent from grandstands almost wholly occupied by devotees of his rival, James Hunt.

The Guardian - Sport

From the 5th century the relaxation of imperial Roman authority brought on a reassertion and growth of native cultures that is, wherever the people were not wholly occupied in a savage struggle for mere existence against aggressive tribes migrating across Europe (e.g., Avars, Slavs, and Saxons).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Aristotle states that "the politician and lawgiver is wholly occupied with the city-state, and the constitution is a certain way of organizing those who inhabit the city-state" (III.1.1274b36-8).

SEP

A page on the evolution of the vertebrate eye is almost wholly occupied with a diagram of the eye, leaving the text's assertion that 'there are sensors and "eyes" from every stage in this sequence [leading toward the vertebrate eye] in existing living animals' (p. 86) sadly unillustrated.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

The Irish writer George Newenham Wright observed in 1840 that "the surface of the Rock is wholly occupied by defensive works; where it was possible, and often where it appeared almost impracticable, batteries and fortifications have been formed.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

One popular endurantist option is simply to accept that two different objects can wholly occupy exactly the same location at the same time.

SEP

All occupied.

The New Yorker

It is therefore impossible by definition for the same physical object to occupy wholly distinct locations at the same time.

SEP

For, while hyperessentialism does rule out haecceitistic differences where you have different properties, it does not rule out a "mass replacement"—i.e., an alternative maximal possibility where wholly different individuals occupy each of the qualitative roles occupied in the actual world.

SEP

But so exactly, so perfectly in this, my own place, that he occupies it wholly without overlooking or overflowing even the slightest portion.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wholly occupied" to clearly convey that a space, time, or resource is completely filled or engaged, leaving no room for other use. For example, "The building was wholly occupied by the new tenants".

Common error

Avoid using "wholly occupied" when you mean something is partially filled or engaged. "Wholly occupied" indicates a complete state, unlike "partially occupied" or "mostly engaged".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wholly occupied" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating that something is completely filled or engaged. As Ludwig examples show, it's used to describe physical spaces, states of mind, or even abstract concepts like time and resources. The phrase emphasizes the completeness of the occupation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wholly occupied" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that signifies something being completely filled or engaged. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and the examples provided illustrate its use in various contexts, from describing physical spaces to abstract concepts. While not as common as other similar phrases, "wholly occupied" provides a precise and emphatic way to convey completeness. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, with a neutral register suitable for a range of communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

completely taken up

This alternative uses "taken up" instead of "occupied", emphasizing the idea of something being filled completely.

entirely filled

Switches "occupied" for "filled" emphasizing the sense of fullness or saturation, maintaining the meaning of being completely taken.

fully engrossed

Emphasizes mental or emotional absorption, rather than physical occupation. It changes the nuance to complete engagement.

totally consumed

Highlights the idea of being completely used up or devoted to something, focusing on resource allocation rather than space.

exclusively possessed

Focuses on ownership and control rather than mere physical presence, altering the sense of being the sole user.

solely inhabited

This changes the meaning to living or residing exclusively in a space.

absolutely covered

This alternative is less about 'occupation' in a functional sense and more about physical coverage.

wholeheartedly engaged

Shifts the focus to emotional and mental involvement rather than physical presence.

unreservedly dedicated

Emphasizes commitment and devotion, diverging from the original sense of physical occupation.

perfectly tenanted

Focuses on legal or formal occupancy, implying a lease or agreement.

FAQs

What does "wholly occupied" mean?

The phrase "wholly occupied" means entirely filled or taken up, leaving no space or time for anything else. It suggests a state of complete engagement or possession.

How can I use "wholly occupied" in a sentence?

You can use "wholly occupied" to describe a space, time, or resource that is completely filled. For example: "The rear of the gallery is "completely occupied" by a single landscape painting."

What are some alternatives to "wholly occupied"?

Some alternatives include "completely filled", "entirely taken up", or "fully engrossed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "partially wholly occupied"?

No, it is incorrect. "Wholly" means completely, so "partially wholly occupied" is contradictory. You can say "partially occupied" or "almost wholly occupied".