dwells on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dwells on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is focusing on or giving excessive attention to a particular subject or issue. Example: "She tends to dwell on past mistakes instead of moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He just dwells on it".

The New Yorker

Not that she dwells on age.

The New York Times

This long Taiwanese film dwells on everydayness.

The Economist

A fourth entry dwells on conflict research.

The Economist

Mr Obama never dwells on racial reconciliation.

The Economist

Weber dwells on Klee's sexual ambivalence.

The New York Times - Books

Not that she dwells on that moment.

The New York Times - Sports

He dwells on his declining health.

The New York Times - Sports

She dwells on the various disasters all over the world.

The New Yorker

How everyone around here dwells on those days.

Independent

IMRAN KHAN The profile dwells on rallies that draw crowds.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dwells on" when you want to convey that someone is spending a significant amount of time thinking or talking about a particular topic, often to an excessive degree.

Common error

Avoid using "dwells on" excessively in formal writing as it can sometimes imply a negative connotation of being overly focused or fixated. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "focuses on" or "explores" to maintain a balanced and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dwells on" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a clause, typically describing the action of a subject focusing intently on a particular topic. As Ludwig AI shows, it frequently indicates an extended or perhaps excessive focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dwells on" is a verb phrase that signifies a prolonged or extensive focus on a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in news and media, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's crucial to consider the potential negative connotation of excessive focus, and to be mindful of more neutral alternatives such as "focuses on" in formal writing. Ultimately, "dwells on" is a valuable tool for expressing the depth and duration of attention given to a specific topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focuses on

A more neutral and direct alternative, implying concentration without necessarily implying lingering or negativity.

concentrates on

Implies a deliberate and focused effort to understand or address something.

lingers on

Suggests a more gentle and perhaps wistful focus, often implying pleasure or affection.

fixates on

Suggests an obsessive or unhealthy focus, often implying anxiety or compulsion.

broods over

Suggests a worried or unhappy focus, often implying resentment or regret.

expatiates on

Implies elaborating at length, often with enthusiasm or expertise.

muses on

Implies a thoughtful and reflective consideration, often in a quiet or introspective way.

meditates on

Suggests deep and thoughtful consideration, often with a spiritual or philosophical element.

harps on

Suggests repetitive and annoying focus, often implying criticism or complaint.

reminisces about

Focuses on past experiences, usually with nostalgia or affection.

FAQs

What does "dwells on" mean?

"Dwells on" means to think, speak, or write at length about a particular subject, often implying a lingering or excessive focus.

How can I use "dwells on" in a sentence?

You can use "dwells on" to describe someone who spends a lot of time thinking or talking about something, such as, "He always "dwells on" his past mistakes."

What are some alternatives to "dwells on"?

Alternatives to "dwells on" include "focuses on", "lingers on", and "concentrates on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "focuses on" or "dwells on"?

While both phrases indicate attention to a subject, "dwells on" often implies a more prolonged or even excessive focus, sometimes with negative connotations. "Focuses on" is generally more neutral. Choose "focuses on" if you want to avoid any implication of negativity or excessive rumination.