What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
preoccupation
Example
She was in a deep preoccupation with her work and hardly noticed the time passing. [preoccupation: noun]
Example
He preoccupied himself with thoughts of his upcoming exam. [preoccupied: adjective]
concern
Example
I have a concern about the safety of this neighborhood. [concern: noun]
Example
She is concerned about her son's health. [concerned: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Concern is more commonly used than preoccupation in everyday language. Concern is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts and levels of formality, while preoccupation is less common and more formal, often used in academic or literary contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between preoccupation and concern?
Preoccupation is a more formal word than concern, and it is often used in academic or literary contexts. Concern, on the other hand, is a more versatile word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
