dwell on a problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwell on a problem" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a phrase used to talk about giving sustained attention to something, especially an issue or problem. For example, "The professor asked us to dwell on the problem of climate change and come up with some solutions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Worry/Rumination Questionnaire for Children [ 16, 19] reflects the tendency to dwell on a problem instead of dealing with it in terms of solving or coping adaptively with the emotional impact of the situation.

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If you must mention specific things that are happening at home in the child's absence, better to dwell on, say, plumbing problems than the visit she just missed from her favorite out-of-town cousins.

The New York Times

Luecking said he refuses to dwell on a motive.

The Washington Post

You can't dwell on a shot like that".

The New York Times - Sports

The next time you find yourself in a meeting to discuss a problem, don't dwell on the problem, or even consider it a problem.

Huffington Post

Manuals for beginning historians often dwell on the problem of forged documents, but this is seldom a problem, except occasionally for the medieval historian.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mentally strong people don't dwell on the problem —  instead, they create solutions.

Independent

And those advertising to men are just as evasive with another, increasingly common problem, telling men to "ask your doctor about low T", or low testosterone.Some of this is just good old psychology: focus on the solution, and don't dwell on the problem.

The Economist

For reasons too unpleasant to dwell on, this problem does not affect most of the four-legged male competitors in jump racing (though some of the jockeys manage to over-compensate), and they come back to Cheltenham year after year, sometimes with their own fan club.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than dwell on this problem, which is ubiquitous for computational models, let us concentrate on the Systematicity Principle itself.

SEP

The reports dwell on the problem of lack of trust and the need to build trust (this element is mentioned more than 70 times in the GCIG's One Internet report).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a balanced perspective, allocate specific time slots for problem-solving rather than allowing negative thoughts to intrude throughout the day. This structured approach can prevent excessive rumination and promote a more productive mindset.

Common error

Avoid getting stuck in a loop of analyzing the problem without taking any concrete action. Spend more time implementing solutions than endlessly dissecting the issue. Breaking the problem into smaller, manageable tasks will help you move forward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwell on a problem" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of focusing intently and repeatedly on a difficulty or challenge. This construction, as seen in Ludwig, often suggests an unproductive or negative form of contemplation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12.5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

12.5%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dwell on a problem" describes the act of focusing repeatedly and intensely on a challenge or difficulty, often in an unproductive way. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts like News & Media and Science. The primary function is to express the unproductive nature of focusing too much on negative aspects rather than finding solutions. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "overthink the issue" or "fixate on the difficulty" to refine your meaning. Remember that excessive rumination can hinder progress, so it's crucial to transition from dwelling to active problem-solving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Overthink the issue

Emphasizes excessive thinking and analysis, potentially leading to anxiety or inaction.

Fixate on the difficulty

Highlights the act of becoming focused on the challenge, sometimes to an unhealthy extent.

Obsess over the matter

Suggests a compulsive and intrusive preoccupation with the subject.

Ruminate about the predicament

Implies a deep and often cyclical pattern of thinking about a negative situation.

Harbor on the adversity

Focuses on the act of keeping a thought or feeling in mind.

Be absorbed by the challenge

Highlights the state of being completely engaged or engrossed in a task.

Concentrate on the setback

Focuses on the action of directing all attention toward something.

Meditate on the complication

Implies calm, lengthy consideration.

Engross oneself in the snag

Emphasizes the act of completely occupying one's mind.

Brood over the snag

Implies a deep sense of worry or unhappiness.

FAQs

How can I use "dwell on a problem" in a sentence?

You can use "dwell on a problem" to describe spending too much time thinking or worrying about an issue instead of finding solutions. For example, "It's easy to "dwell on a problem", but it's more productive to seek solutions."

What are some alternatives to "dwell on a problem"?

Alternatives include "overthink the issue", "fixate on the difficulty", or "obsess over the matter", each suggesting a slightly different nuance of prolonged negative thought.

Is it always bad to "dwell on a problem"?

While prolonged rumination is generally unproductive, some reflection can be beneficial for understanding the issue's root causes. The key is to transition from dwelling to active problem-solving.

What's the difference between "dwell on a problem" and "analyze a problem"?

"Analyze a problem" implies a systematic, objective examination, while "dwell on a problem" suggests a more emotional, often unproductive preoccupation. Analyzing aims to understand, whereas dwelling often involves worry and anxiety.