dwell on thoughts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwell on thoughts" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to the act of thinking deeply or seriously about something. For example, "I like to spend my free time dwelling on my thoughts and reflecting on life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

When, on the other hand, we dwell on thoughts of love, connection, hope and possibility, then those thoughts become our felt experience as well.

Huffington Post

Dwell on thoughts that create comfort and serenity and banish those that evoke guilt or regret.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a bleak picture but Deng is not one to dwell on negative thoughts.

The Guardian - Sport

No one likes to admit that they have frequent negative thoughts, and few of us dwell on those thoughts.

HuffPost

Now it is Iraq's turn, and one can dwell on the thought of the Mother of All Bombs being wrestled and heaved to the door of a plane's cargo bay, and then shoved out to do its stuff on an ancient, rickety city like Baghdad, population five million.

The New York Times

But there is little time to dwell on such thoughts.

The New York Times

But I didn't want to dwell on negative thoughts as I paid my bill.

The New York Times

We aren't meant to dwell on these thoughts, however, and this cotton-candy production distracts us easily.

The New York Times

"I thought I was going to die," says Alabi. "After it happened I just felt 'why me?' But you can't dwell on those thoughts.

The Guardian - Sport

— She could not dwell on the thoughts, the wishes which obtruded themselves.

Wikipedia

It's common to dwell on dark thoughts of impending death.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid excessive rumination, set a time limit when you find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts. After the allotted time, consciously shift your focus to something positive or productive.

Common error

Avoid using "dwell on thoughts" when you mean to convey an unhealthy or obsessive focus. Dwell suggests a thoughtful consideration, while obsessing implies a negative, uncontrollable preoccupation. Instead, try to use "fixate on thoughts" to show obsessive behaviour.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwell on thoughts" functions as a verb phrase, where "dwell" is the verb indicating the action of focusing or residing mentally on something, and "thoughts" is the object of the preposition "on". It describes the act of deeply considering or contemplating ideas.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dwell on thoughts" is grammatically correct and refers to deeply considering or contemplating ideas. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. While not extremely common, it finds usage in news, media and general writing and the frequency is "Uncommon". It's crucial to use this phrase thoughtfully, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning of contemplation rather than unhealthy obsession. When needed, consider alternatives like ""ponder ideas"" or ""ruminate on thoughts"" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on ideas

Emphasizes concentrating mental effort on concepts or notions rather than the process of rumination.

ruminate on thoughts

Highlights the repetitive and often prolonged nature of thinking about something.

contemplate ideas

Suggests a more formal and deliberate consideration of concepts.

meditate on thoughts

Implies a focused and often spiritual reflection.

ponder ideas

Indicates a thoughtful and careful consideration.

reflect on thoughts

Focuses on looking back and considering past experiences and ideas.

chew over thoughts

Conveys a sense of prolonged and thorough mental processing.

mull over thoughts

Suggests a quiet and thoughtful consideration.

consider thoughts

A more general term for thinking about something.

think deeply about ideas

Emphasizes the intensity and thoroughness of the thought process.

FAQs

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

You can use "dwell on thoughts" to describe focusing deeply on a particular idea. For example, "It's important to "dwell on positive thoughts" to improve your mental well-being."

What does it mean to "dwell on thoughts"?

To "dwell on thoughts" means to think or focus on something at length. It suggests a degree of contemplation or rumination, considering ideas carefully.

What are some alternatives to "dwell on thoughts"?

Some alternatives to "dwell on thoughts" include "ponder ideas", "ruminate on thoughts", or "contemplate ideas", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to "dwell on thoughts"?

Not necessarily. While "dwell on thoughts" can sometimes imply excessive rumination, it can also refer to thoughtful consideration and reflection, which can be positive. It depends on the context and the nature of the thoughts.