i brood over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I brood over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing deep thought or contemplation about a particular subject or issue. Example: "After the meeting, I continued to brood over the feedback I received from my colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I brood over slights.

The New York Times - Magazine

As Victoria Patterson writes in "Why Bother?," "I brood over my work rather than the fate of the book industry".

The New Yorker

In life, I never once ventured inside this shop, and I brood over what the interior would look like, what person would wait behind the counter.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I brooded over it all morning.

The New Yorker

I brooded over the Guía Roji.

The Guardian

What's he doing there?' I brooded over it for three or four weeks, and finally I said to myself, 'Of course!

The New Yorker

I brooded over these questions until I remembered that the answers were out there – Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason was on the shelves of a bookstore somewhere, waiting to give them to me.

BBC

I need not brood over their attitude and let it affect my life and my relationship with my children.

BMC Public Health

"As I hover over my boiling caldrons like one of Macbeth's weird sisters, I brood on the possibility of botulism, the 'big B,' "she writes.

The New York Times - Books

I brood.

The New York Times - Magazine

I brood a lot," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternatives like "I contemplate" or "I reflect on" if you want to convey thoughtful consideration without the negative emotional weight.

Common error

While "i brood over" is grammatically correct, its connotation of worry and unease may not always be suitable for formal writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "I consider" or "I analyze" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i brood over" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of deep, often troubled, contemplation. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts involving personal reflections and concerns. The Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i brood over" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express deep and often troubled contemplation. As indicated by Ludwig, it carries a connotation of worry and unease, making it essential to consider the context when using it. While prevalent in news and media, it's crucial to assess if a more neutral alternative might be better suited for formal contexts. The phrase is relatively uncommon, and it is essential to understand its implications to ensure effective communication. Alternative phrases include "I contemplate" or "I reflect on", but as Ludwig's analysis indicates, choosing the right words depends heavily on the intended emotional coloring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i dwell on

Highlights persistent and often negative thinking about something.

i mull over

Suggests a more gentle, less anxious form of thinking.

i worry about

Focuses specifically on feelings of anxiety and concern.

i ruminate on

Implies a deep, cyclical, and sometimes obsessive pattern of thought.

i contemplate

Omits the negative connotation, focusing on thoughtful consideration.

i agonize over

Conveys intense worry and emotional distress.

i reflect on

Emphasizes thoughtful consideration of past events or ideas.

i obsess about

Emphasizes the compulsive nature of the thinking.

i am preoccupied with

Highlights that thoughts are dominated by a specific subject.

i consider at length

Suggests thorough and detailed consideration.

FAQs

What does "I brood over" mean?

"I brood over" means to think deeply about something that makes you worried, angry, or upset.

How can I use "I brood over" in a sentence?

You can use "I brood over" to express that you are thinking deeply and anxiously about something. For example, "I often "dwell on" past mistakes and "worry about" the future."

What can I say instead of "I brood over"?

You can use alternatives like "I contemplate", "I mull over", or "I reflect on" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "I brood over" and "I think about"?

"I brood over" carries a stronger connotation of worry and negative emotion compared to the more neutral "I think about". Brooding suggests a troubled state of mind, while thinking is simply a general cognitive activity.