fixate on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixate on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a strong focus or obsession with a particular subject or idea. Example: "She tends to fixate on her mistakes, which prevents her from moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During the UBM examination, subjects were instructed to fixate on a ceiling target to maintain accommodation.

BMC Ophthalmology

"So no one should fixate on that number".

The New York Times - Sports

Subjects were asked to fixate on a central fixation cross during the entire scan.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Others fixate on their loss.

The Economist

What does the media fixate on?

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't fixate on a specific hour.

The New York Times - Food

I don't fixate on the ageing process.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And adrenaline fanatics fixate on the mountains and rivers.

The New York Times - Travel

We fixate on TJ because of the Declaration.

The New Yorker

At the movies, she tends to fixate on tiny flaws.

The New York Times - Magazine

We fixate on it as much as he does.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fixate on" when you want to convey a sense of intense focus, bordering on obsession, that might be disproportionate to the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "fixate on" when a more neutral term like "focus on" or "concentrate on" would be more appropriate. "Fixate on" carries a connotation of being overly preoccupied, which might not be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixate on" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong, often obsessive, focus or attention towards something. It suggests a preoccupation that can be disproportionate to the importance of the subject, as seen in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fixate on" is a prepositional phrase used to describe a strong, often obsessive, focus or attention towards something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media and Science. While it can be used across various registers, it's important to be mindful of its connotation of excessive preoccupation and choose more neutral alternatives like "focus on" or "concentrate on" when appropriate. Overusing the phrase may give a negative impression so avoid it if possible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on

A more general term for directing attention to something, without necessarily implying obsession.

concentrate on

Implies a deliberate effort to direct one's thoughts or attention.

dwell on

Suggests spending a significant amount of time thinking or talking about something, often negatively.

obsess over

Implies an excessive and often irrational preoccupation.

be preoccupied with

Indicates that one's thoughts are mainly occupied by something.

be engrossed in

Suggests being completely absorbed and captivated by something.

latch onto

Implies seizing and holding onto an idea or thing with great enthusiasm.

zero in on

Suggests focusing very precisely on a specific point or detail.

harp on

Implies repeatedly mentioning or emphasizing something, often annoyingly.

major on

To focus primarily on one aspect of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "fixate on" to describe someone focusing intently on something, often to an excessive degree. For example, "She tends to "fixate on" her mistakes, which prevents her from moving forward."

What can I say instead of "fixate on"?

You can use alternatives like "focus on", "concentrate on", or "dwell on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "fixate on" or "fixate at"?

"Fixate on" is the correct and commonly used prepositional phrase. "Fixate at" is not standard usage.

What is the difference between "focus on" and "fixate on"?

"Focus on" is a general term for directing attention, whereas "fixate on" implies a more intense, sometimes obsessive, level of concentration.