fixation on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixation on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an intense focus or obsession with a particular subject or idea. Example: "Her fixation on achieving perfection often led to unnecessary stress and anxiety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Their fixation on process is revealing.

The New York Times

Perkus, meanwhile, develops a fixation on "chaldrons".

The Guardian - Books

She developed a fixation on Clint Eastwood.

The New Yorker

So did his fixation on stock prices.

The New York Times

The fixation on image explains the lack of physicality.

The Guardian - Books

Add to that the longstanding media fixation on money.

The New York Times - Magazine

[Trippiness distracts from fixation on own mortality.] December 16th.

The New Yorker

What it does have is a morbid fixation on retribution.

The Guardian - Film

Ward seems to have a fixation on slopes.

The Guardian

A fixation on avoiding the mistakes of the Clintons.

The New York Times

"This fixation on national missile defense is a mistake".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fixation on", ensure the context clearly conveys the intensity and potential irrationality of the focus. For less intense scenarios, consider alternatives like "focus on" or "emphasis on".

Common error

Avoid using "fixation on" when a more neutral term like "focus on" or "attention to" would be more appropriate. "Fixation" implies a level of intensity or obsession that isn't always intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixation on" functions as a prepositional phrase, where "fixation" acts as a noun denoting an obsessive interest, and "on" connects it to the object of that interest. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase describes an intense focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "fixation on" correctly conveys an intense, often obsessive, focus on something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and usability. While it's a common phrase across various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When writing, be mindful of the intensity implied by "fixation" and consider more neutral alternatives like "focus on" if the context warrants it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obsession with

Replaces "fixation" with "obsession", suggesting a more intense and potentially irrational focus.

preoccupation with

Substitutes "fixation" with "preoccupation", indicating a dominant concern or absorption in something.

focus on

A more general term indicating a directed attention or concentration on a particular subject.

emphasis on

Highlights the importance or prominence given to a specific aspect or subject.

infatuation with

Suggests a strong, often short-lived, passion or admiration for something.

fascination with

Indicates a strong interest or captivation with a particular subject or object.

mania for

Implies an extreme and often uncontrollable enthusiasm or obsession.

enthralled by

Indicates being captivated or charmed by something, often to the point of being completely absorbed.

devotion to

Suggests a strong commitment or dedication to a particular cause, person, or belief.

craze for

Implies a widespread but often temporary enthusiasm or fad.

FAQs

What does "fixation on" mean?

The phrase "fixation on" describes an obsessive or intense focus on something. It implies a strong preoccupation that can be difficult to dislodge.

What can I say instead of "fixation on"?

You can use alternatives like "obsession with", "preoccupation with", or "focus on" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a fixation for" instead of "fixation on"?

While "fixation" can sometimes be followed by "for", the more common and widely accepted usage is "fixation on". Using "fixation on" ensures clarity and aligns with standard English usage.

What is the difference between "fixation on" and "interest in"?

"Fixation on" implies a more intense and possibly obsessive focus, whereas "interest in" suggests a more casual or moderate level of attention.