Cool MateObsess vs You think too much
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Obsess
Top 3,000 (common)C1verb
You think too much
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: ObsessMost common: You think too much
| Obsess | You think too much | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əbˈses/","/əbˈsesɪz/","/əbˈsest/","/əbˈsesɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əbˈses/","/əbˈsesɪz/","/əbˈsest/","/əbˈsesɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //juː θɪŋk tuː mʌtʃ//🇺🇸 //ju θɪŋk tu mʌtʃ// |
| Meaning | To think about something too much. | You are overthinking things. |
| Example | He's obsessed by computers. | You think too much about what others say. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | obsess over, obsess about, obsess with, obsessive thoughts, obsessive behavior | think too much about, think too much into, think too much of |
| Antonyms | ignore, neglect | act decisively, be carefree |
| Common mistakes | Using 'obsess' without an object, e.g., 'I obsess.', Confusing 'obsess' with 'possess'., Using 'obsess' in an overly dramatic way when it could be more neutral. | Saying 'you think too many' instead of 'too much', Using it with formal language, Confusing it with 'think too little' |
| Usage notes | Use 'obsess' in everyday conversation when discussing strong interest or fixation on something. Avoid in professional contexts unless discussing psychological conditions. | Use in casual conversations among friends or when someone is worrying unnecessarily. Avoid in professional contexts. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Obsess vs You think too much
What's the difference between Obsess and You think too much?
Obsess: To think about something too much. You think too much: You are overthinking things.
Which is more formal: Obsess and You think too much?
Obsess is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Obsess and You think too much?
You think too much is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Obsess: He's obsessed by computers. You think too much: You think too much about what others say.
Can I use Obsess and You think too much interchangeably?
Not always. Obsess and You think too much are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.