ENGLISH
REFERENCE

occupying

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈɑkjəˌpaɪɪŋ// UK //ˈɒkjʊpˌaɪɪŋ// oc·cu·py·ing

v. to fill a space, a period of time, or someone's mind. It can also mean taking control of a place by force.

v. to fill or take up a specific space, time, or position; to reside in or inhabit a location. In a military context, to take possession of and maintain control over a territory by force.


SIMPLE

The new sofa is occupying too much space in the living room.

CONTEXTUAL

She found that reading a long novel was the best way of occupying her time during the flight.

COMPLEX

The military forces remained in the region for years, occupying the capital city while the transitional government attempted to restore basic public services and civil order.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and requires a direct object. Often used in the progressive form to describe current states.

Pitfall

He is occupying in the room.He is occupying the room.Occupy is a transitive verb and does not take the preposition 'in' before its object.

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