dwelling in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwelling in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of living or residing in a particular place or condition, often with a connotation of being immersed in or preoccupied with something. Example: "She found herself dwelling in memories of her childhood, unable to move on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The dwelling in which he stayed survives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But dwelling in the detail misses the wider point.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ring Lardner's dwelling in Great Neck was called the Mange.

The New Yorker

These buildings were once the standard dwelling in Britain.

The Guardian - Travel

But she's not exactly dwelling in Honest Abe territory, either.

The New York Times

He's expert at drafting and dwelling in gray areas.

The New York Times

We are not privileged to be dwelling in an exceptional time or space; we are privileged to be dwelling in a typical time and space.

The New York Times - Arts

"However I have to move on now as there is no point dwelling in the past.

The Guardian - Sport

Aristotle defined a friend as "a single soul dwelling in two bodies".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How did they maintain sanity in their dark lives, dwelling in the cave of the past?

The New Yorker

Across the valley, I can see another, much smaller dwelling in an alcove.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dwelling in", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a physical location, a mental state, or an abstract concept. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "dwelling in" in overly formal or technical writing where simpler alternatives like "residing in" or "located in" might be more appropriate. The phrase can sometimes sound archaic or overly literary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwelling in" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. It indicates a state of residing or existing within a specific place, condition, or state of mind. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in both physical and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dwelling in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes a state of residing or existing within a specific context, be it physical, mental, or emotional. As Ludwig highlights, it appears across diverse sources like News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its versatility. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, being mindful of formality and choosing simpler alternatives when appropriate is advisable. The phrase can sometimes sound archaic or overly literary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

residing in

Emphasizes the act of living or staying in a particular place.

living in

Focuses on the everyday experience of inhabiting a location or situation.

situated in

Highlights the location or placement within a specific context or environment.

immersed in

Suggests a deep involvement or absorption in a particular activity or state.

engrossed in

Similar to immersed, but with a stronger emphasis on mental absorption.

absorbed in

Highlights a state of being completely focused or consumed by something.

preoccupied with

Indicates a state of being mentally focused or concerned with a particular issue or subject.

focused on

Emphasizes a deliberate concentration or attention towards a specific target.

existing within

Highlights the state of being present or occurring within a defined space or framework.

contained within

Suggests being enclosed or held within specific boundaries or limits.

FAQs

How can I use "dwelling in" in a sentence?

You can use "dwelling in" to describe physically living in a place, such as "They are "dwelling in" a small cottage by the sea". It can also describe a state of mind, like "She was "dwelling in" the past".

What are some alternatives to "dwelling in"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "living in", "residing in", "immersed in", or "focused on".

Is it correct to say "dwelling in the past"?

Yes, "dwelling in the past" is a common and correct usage. It describes the act of spending too much time thinking about past events, often with a sense of nostalgia or regret.

What's the difference between "dwelling in" and "living in"?

"Dwelling in" often suggests a deeper, more immersive or prolonged state than "living in". While "living in" primarily refers to physical residence, "dwelling in" can also refer to a mental or emotional state.