fixed on the screen

USAGE SUMMARY

"fixed on the screen" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means that something is securely attached or positioned on the screen. Example: The bug in the software caused the cursor to become fixed on the screen, making it impossible to click on anything else.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"There's a foot on the moon!" His eyes fixed on the screen, the Mayor shook his head.

The New Yorker

They're decent enough to keep your eyes fixed on the screen, hooking you with performances, pictorial beauty, even a gesture.

The New York Times

By keeping her eyes fixed on the screen, she avoids the possibility of glimpsing the orange suitcase, still resting on top of the armoire.

The New Yorker

As the cries of "Allahu Akbar!" rang out across the rooftops of Tehran, she'd rock herself back and forth, eyes fixed on the screen.

The New York Times

Nothing happens in the film, which consists mostly of footage of Midtown Manhattan at rush hour, although the psychological tension keeps your eyes fixed on the screen for the full nine and a half minutes.

The New York Times

But Bouton's gaze was fixed on the screen, as the Yankee announcers John Sterling and Michael Kay manned makeshift podiums, set up behind home plate, and began introducing the players.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Instead of sitting in rows of front-facing desks, listening to teachers present lessons, students spend their classes clustered together in groups, usually of five or six, their eyes fixed on the screens of their white laptops.

The Washington Post

All eyes are fixed on the screens hanging from the ceilings.

Vice

"Aaaaaz-uh," croaked the old woman, her eyes fixed on the TV screen.

The New Yorker

So, her eyes fixed on the computer screen, she told Adriana to ask Tamara's last name.

The New York Times

And those are the reasons you should, too," Lanza eyes fixed on the little screen of her video camera, a firm set to her round chin nodded vigorously.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fixed on the screen" when you want to emphasize sustained attention or a stable, unwavering focus on something displayed on a screen.

Common error

Avoid using "fixed on the screen" when a more active phrasing would be clearer. For example, instead of "The problem was fixed on the screen", consider "The technician fixed the problem on the screen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixed on the screen" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun, to describe a state of focused attention or unwavering gaze. Ludwig examples show the phrase describing how someone is watching, e.g., "eyes fixed on the screen".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fixed on the screen" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to describe a state of intense focus or unwavering attention towards a screen. Ludwig AI validates that it is grammatically correct. It finds frequent application across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. Alternatives like "glued to the screen" or "riveted to the screen" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with an active sentence structure for clarity. Top authoritative sources employing this phrase include The New York Times and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eyes glued to the screen

Specifies that the eyes are doing the fixation.

glued to the screen

Emphasizes the intensity and prolonged nature of the attention.

eyes fixed on the display

Uses "display" instead of screen.

riveted to the screen

Highlights the captivating or absorbing quality of what's being viewed.

locked on the screen

Similar to glued, emphasizes the inability to look away.

focused on the display

A more technical or neutral way to describe attention to a screen.

attention on the screen

Focuses on the concept of attention being directed to the screen.

concentrating on the screen

Emphasizes the mental effort.

staring at the screen

A more literal description of looking at a screen.

watching the screen intently

Adds detail about the way someone is watching.

FAQs

What does "fixed on the screen" mean?

The phrase "fixed on the screen" means someone's gaze or attention is steadily and intently focused on what's being displayed on a screen, such as a television, computer, or phone.

What can I say instead of "fixed on the screen"?

You can use alternatives like "glued to the screen", "riveted to the screen", or "focused on the display" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "eyes fixed on the screen"?

Yes, "eyes fixed on the screen" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It explicitly specifies that the eyes are the subject doing the fixing or focusing.

How can I use "fixed on the screen" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "During the suspenseful scene, everyone's attention was fixed on the screen", or "The toddler remained fixed on the screen, completely absorbed by the cartoon."