dwell

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dwell' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean to live in a place or to think or talk about something in detail. For example: "We dwelled on the mistakes we had made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those caring to dwell on the general election campaign may recall David Cameron's neon lit promise to extend the Right to Buy (RTB) from council tenants to their housing association counterparts.

The Guardian

The next morning, I was suitably prepared for a bike ride to salt-flat oases where I watched flamingoes, white except for the radiant pink on the underside of their wings, feeding on the tiny creatures that dwell in the crystal-cool oases.

The Guardian - Travel

Instead, she stumbled through a few Poldark mentions before ending with: "I'm not going to dwell on the fact that women change their mind [a reference to Labour's U-turn over an EU referendum] because women do that kind of thing".

The Guardian

You can dwell longer by looking over the selection of antiques on display, including the vintage cars out of the front of the café.

The Guardian - Travel

(Or should I just throw an enormous pity party for one?) I hate to dwell as it's such a waste of energy (particularly when the sun's shining and there are so many ghastly things happening in the world).

The Guardian - Film

None of them has ever approached my level of self loathing, even my biggest hater!" If we dwell on the backlash, it's because it has become bigger news than the new movie itself, which is being reviewed within its carping context, and often unfairly.

The Guardian - Film

"If you are alone and unprotected, you really cannot afford to dwell on being sad or bitter".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So let us not dwell on the fact that Qbic guests get to spend the night in a "cube-shaped living box" (aka a "room") or that some of these don't have angular holes in the wall (aka windows) and focus instead on the things this hotel gets right.

The Guardian - Travel

I didn't dwell on the career change too much; I had to get on with my life and earn some money.

The Guardian - Sport

Her 20 years in business after graduating from LSE – rising from driver to director at a publishing company – have, she says, been "obliterated" by her opponents who prefer to create a "myth" and dwell on her time as a special adviser in opposition.

The Guardian

But there's more time for oral argumentation tomorrow, and then a couple months for justices to dwell over things.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwell" when you want to emphasize a prolonged or thoughtful consideration of something, not just a passing thought.

Common error

Avoid using "dwell" in very informal conversations where simpler verbs like "think" or "focus" would be more appropriate. "Dwell" often implies a deeper level of contemplation that might sound out of place in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The word "dwell" functions primarily as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. It is used to describe the act of living in a place or focusing one's thoughts on something. Ludwig AI confirms that "dwell" is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Travel

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Music

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "dwell" is a versatile verb that can mean both to live in a place and to focus one's thoughts on something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound term frequently found in news articles, travel writing, and film reviews. While generally neutral in tone, it is advisable to avoid in more casual contexts when simpler verbs could suffice. Understanding its nuances and appropriate alternatives can significantly enhance clarity and precision in writing. When choosing between "dwell" and alternatives, consider the specific context. "Live" is a good all-purpose choice, while others emphasize different aspects such as duration ("linger"), fixated interest ("brood over"), or permanence ("reside").

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

live

A general and common term for inhabiting a place.

reside

Indicates a more formal or permanent establishment of residence.

inhabit

Suggests occupying a place, often referring to populations or species.

focus on

Emphasizes concentrating one's attention or efforts on a specific subject.

linger

Focuses on spending a noticeable amount of time in a place or thought.

concentrate on

Similar to "focus on", but may imply more deliberate effort.

remain fixed on

Highlights an unwavering and often obsessive focus.

brood over

Suggests a deep, often anxious consideration of something.

harp on

Implies repetitive and often tedious focus on a particular topic.

meditate on

Involves deep and sustained contemplation, often with a spiritual connotation.

FAQs

How do you use "dwell" in a sentence?

The word "dwell" can be used to mean to live in a place, as in "They dwell in a remote cabin". It can also mean to think or speak at length about something, for example, "She tends to dwell on negative experiences".

What can I say instead of "dwell"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "reside", "live", "inhabit" if referring to living in a place. If referring to focusing on something, you can use "linger", "focus on", or "concentrate on".

Is it correct to say "dwell on the past"?

Yes, it is correct. "Dwell on the past" means to think or talk a lot about past events, often with a sense of regret or nostalgia.

What's the difference between "dwell" and "live"?

"Live" is a general term for residing in a place. "Dwell" can also mean to reside, but it often implies a more permanent or significant connection to the place. Additionally, "dwell" can mean to focus one's thoughts on something, a meaning that "live" does not share.