glued to a screen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'glued to a screen' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is paying close attention to a digital screen, such as a television or computer. For example, you might say: "The kids were glued to the screen, mesmerized by the cartoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Being glued to a screen has become a part of American youth culture.

The New York Times

After that, I was glued to a screen in a corner".

The Guardian

Anyone who has ever seen a teenager glued to a screen for hours playing World of Warcraft can attest to the powerful lure of digital rewards.

The New York Times

As a film reviewer, I spend an extraordinary amount of time glued to a screen, and I never met a Star Wars gadget I didn't like.

The Times

Soon it might be possible to conduct a large slice of digital life, including work, without being glued to a screen.

The New York Times

Rhiannon is glued to a screen as soon as she gets up in the morning: "I don't get dressed, sometimes I don't even draw the curtains.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"It's a lot of younger guys who are always glued to a computer screen.

The New York Times

What we fear is missing out on our own lives by keeping our eyes glued to a tiny screen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Chanting, cheering and eyes glued to a wall screen, the crowd looked not much different from a group of Cowboys fans.

The Washington Post

Mr. Benson stayed in New York, glued to a computer screen for 16 hours, receiving and posting dispatches from participants in the project.

The New York Times

On long journeys, he can gaze out of the window, rather than have his head down, glued to a little screen.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "glued to a screen" to vividly describe someone's captivated attention, especially when the screen's content is highly engaging or distracting. Consider the context, as this phrase can sometimes imply a negative connotation of excessive screen time.

Common error

While widely understood, "glued to a screen" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "focused on the screen" or "absorbed in the display" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glued to a screen" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase, often used to indicate someone's captivated attention or absorption in the content displayed on a screen. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glued to a screen" is a common and generally acceptable phrase used to describe someone intensely focused on a digital display. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely understood and grammatically correct. While prevalent in news and media, it is less frequent in formal academic or scientific contexts. When choosing this phrase, consider the potential implication of excessive screen time and opt for more neutral alternatives like "absorbed in the screen" or "focused on the screen" for professional writing. Remember to adjust your language to suit the specific audience and purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

absorbed in the screen

Changes the visual metaphor to one of absorption, emphasizing deep engagement.

engrossed in the display

Replaces "glued" with "engrossed" and "screen" with "display", focusing on mental captivation.

riveted to the monitor

Substitutes "glued" with "riveted" and "screen" with "monitor", suggesting a compelling focus.

captivated by the screen

Emphasizes the screen's power to hold attention, using "captivated" instead of "glued".

focused intently on the screen

Highlights the intensity of focus, a more descriptive alternative.

fixed on the screen

Indicates a steady and unwavering gaze, a slightly more clinical term.

hooked on the screen

Implies an addictive quality to the screen's content, shifting the focus.

immersed in the screen

Suggests a deep involvement with what's being viewed, moving beyond just visual attention.

transfixed by the screen

Highlights a state of being spellbound or mesmerized, adding a layer of intensity.

enthralled by the screen

Indicates being completely charmed and delighted by the screen's content.

FAQs

What does "glued to a screen" mean?

The phrase "glued to a screen" means someone is paying very close attention to something on a screen, like a TV, computer, or phone. It suggests they are captivated or engrossed in what they're watching.

What can I say instead of "glued to a screen"?

You can use alternatives like "absorbed in the screen", "engrossed in the display", or "riveted to the monitor" depending on the context.

Is it okay to say someone is "glued to their phone"?

Yes, "glued to their phone" is a common and acceptable variation of "glued to a screen", specifically indicating someone's attention is fixed on their mobile phone.

What are the negative implications of using the phrase "glued to a screen"?

The phrase "glued to a screen" can sometimes imply excessive screen time or a lack of engagement with the physical world. It suggests someone might be neglecting other responsibilities or experiences because they are overly focused on a digital device.