What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
occupied
Example
The office is currently occupied by the new team. [occupied: adjective]
Example
I'm sorry, but all the tables are currently occupied. [occupied: verb]
Example
She's occupied with her work and can't come to the phone right now. [occupied: adjective]
preoccupied
Example
He seemed preoccupied with his own thoughts and didn't notice me enter the room. [preoccupied: adjective]
Example
I'm sorry, I was preoccupied with my own problems and didn't hear what you said. [preoccupied: adjective]
Example
She's preoccupied with the upcoming exam and hasn't been sleeping well. [preoccupied: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Occupied is more commonly used in everyday language, while preoccupied is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between occupied and preoccupied?
While occupied is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, preoccupied is more formal and less commonly used in everyday language.
