dwell on ideas

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwell on ideas" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of thinking deeply or reflecting on certain concepts or thoughts. Example: "In our brainstorming session, I encourage everyone to dwell on ideas that challenge the status quo."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I never dwell on ideas that didn't pan out.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

For a long time his mind had dwelt on ideas of godhead.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The three big superhero movies of the year – Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Captain America: Civil War, and X-Men: Apocalypse – all dwell on the idea that superbattles cause terrible collateral damage to ordinary people; in Captain America, the United Nations gets involved as a regulator.

The Guardian - Books

The team's "creative lead", Ryan Germick, says he doesn't dwell on the idea of his work being viewed by such a mindboggling number of people.

BBC

It is no longer adequate or even useful to dwell on the idea of "choice".

Huffington Post

The site-specific show (on the New York backlot) "invites viewers to dwell on the images and ideas that have followed Hido throughout his career," and will focus on Khrystyna, Hido's primary model.

Huffington Post

It is not a straightforward trajectory, though if you were looking for a consistent theme she suggests that: "A lot of my work dwells on this idea of people buying and selling things that maybe shouldn't be bought or sold.

The Guardian

In her conversation with David, he dwells on the idea.

Huffington Post

Its title, From Keynes to Corbynomics: the General Theory at 80 was a bit of a misnomer because Skidelsky didn't dwell on the Labour leader's economic ideas and Macpherson said that, as a civil servant, it wasn't proper to do so.

The Guardian - Business

But innovators, when they blue-sky an idea, don't dwell on words like "equity" and "business plan," he says.

The Washington Post

The rest of us don't need to dwell on whether we're coming up with original ideas.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwell on ideas" when you want to emphasize the act of spending significant time thinking about or considering specific concepts. It's particularly useful in contexts where deep reflection is involved.

Common error

Don't use "dwell on ideas" if you're simply skimming the surface of a topic. This phrase implies a deeper, more thorough engagement than a brief overview.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwell on ideas" functions as a verb phrase, where "dwell" is the verb, "on" is a preposition, and "ideas" is the object. It indicates the act of focusing one's thoughts or attention extensively on particular concepts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dwell on ideas" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing deep and prolonged thought. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and widely used. It finds common application across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing, suggesting its versatility. While suitable for neutral and even formal contexts, it maintains accessibility for broader audiences. If you're aiming to suggest profound consideration, "dwell on ideas" is a solid choice. Alternatives like "contemplate ideas" or "ponder ideas" can provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contemplate ideas

This alternative replaces 'dwell' with 'contemplate', suggesting a more formal and thoughtful consideration of ideas.

ponder ideas

Using 'ponder' instead of 'dwell' implies a more reflective and deliberate consideration.

mull over ideas

'Mull over' suggests a slow and careful consideration, often involving a period of reflection.

reflect on ideas

'Reflect on' emphasizes looking back at ideas and considering their implications.

deliberate on ideas

'Deliberate on' suggests a more formal and structured consideration, often leading to a decision.

meditate on ideas

'Meditate on' implies a deep, almost spiritual, consideration of ideas.

chew over ideas

'Chew over' is an informal way of saying to think about ideas carefully.

ruminate on ideas

'Ruminate on' suggests a deep and prolonged thought process, sometimes with a negative connotation.

focus intently on ideas

This alternative emphasizes the level of concentration and focus applied to the ideas.

immerse oneself in ideas

This phrase suggests a complete and thorough engagement with the ideas, almost to the point of being consumed by them.

FAQs

What does "dwell on ideas" mean?

To "dwell on ideas" means to think, speak, or write about them at length; to focus your attention on them extensively and reflect deeply about their implications.

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

You might say, "The professor encouraged students to "dwell on ideas" presented in the lecture" or "Instead of rushing to a solution, take time to "dwell on ideas" to fully understand the problem."

What are some alternatives to "dwell on ideas"?

Alternatives include "contemplate ideas", "ponder ideas", or "reflect on ideas", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "dwell on ideas" or quickly dismiss them?

It depends on the context. "Dwelling on ideas" can lead to deeper understanding and innovation, but it can also cause analysis paralysis. Knowing when to "move on" is also important.