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Prepositions after verbs

“Obsess about” vs. “obsess over”

Both obsess about and obsess over are common and idiomatic. They usually mean to think about something too much.

Quick answer

Which preposition is more natural?

Both “obsess about” and “obsess over” are standard. “Obsess over” is especially common when talking about excessive worry or attention to details. The verb can also appear without a preposition in passive structures such as “He is obsessed with fitness.”

She tends to obsess about minor mistakes.
He obsesses over every detail.
They are obsessed with vintage watches.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
obsess about + topic

Thinking too much about something

About introduces the subject of constant thought or concern.

I try not to obsess about my exam results.
2
obsess over + detail

Giving excessive attention

Over is very common when focusing intensely on details or problems.

Managers sometimes obsess over small errors.
3
be obsessed with + thing

Describing a strong fixation

The adjective obsessed is usually followed by with.

She is obsessed with old detective films.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
obsess about
He obsesses about his public image.
Standard; focuses on repeated thoughts or worries.
obsess over
She obsesses over tiny design changes.
Standard; often suggests excessive attention to details.
obsessed with
They are obsessed with online statistics.
Most common adjective pattern.
obsess on
He obsessed on one negative comment.
Generally nonstandard in current English; over or about is preferred.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using obsess on

On is usually not idiomatic after obsess.

✕ She obsesses on her appearance. ✓ She obsesses over her appearance.

Confusing verb and adjective patterns

The adjective obsessed normally takes with.

✕ He is obsessed about money. ✓ He is obsessed with money.

Using a direct object with obsess

Obsess is not usually used transitively in everyday English.

✕ She obsesses every mistake. ✓ She obsesses over every mistake.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. He tends to obsess ___ tiny problems.
2. She is obsessed ___ classic cars.
3. Try not to obsess ___ things you cannot control.

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Frequently asked questions

Are obsess about and obsess over both correct?

Yes. Both are standard and widely used.

Is there a strong difference in meaning?

The difference is small. Over often suggests intense focus on details.

Can I say obsessed about?

In modern English, obsessed with is much more natural.

oblige-to-by-with-in, for obscure by, for, from, in or to? observe in, by, on, with or for? "obtain from" or "obtain by"? occupy by, with, in, for or at? occur in, to, at, on or during? offend by, at, in, against or with? "offer by" or "offer to"? offset by, from, with, for or against? "omit from" or "omit by"? "open in" or "open to"? operate in, by, on, at or from?

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