it dwells on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it dwells on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or idea that is being focused on or elaborated upon in a discussion or text. Example: "The article dwells on the importance of mental health in the workplace, highlighting various strategies for improvement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The syntax itself grows oblique in the last four lines: not "I think of where", but "I think where", as if the swooning heart becomes one with the image it dwells on - that delicate and enigmatic picture of the ash-petals both bearing and deflecting, like a Freudian screen memory, the "terror and anguish" at the poem's beginning.

The Guardian - Books

It dwells on the past's persistence in the present.

The Guardian - Arts

First, it dwells on foreign policy at the expense of Faisal's role as a domestic reformer.

The Economist

In the east it dwells on more atavistic grievances: ethnic minorities, old territorial disputes, homosexuals, international financiers and, naturally, Jews.

The Economist

It dwells on the unpredictability of life, chaos theory and the way small changes have big effects.

The Guardian

But it's an even better show when it dwells on the contradictions inherent in all political and social movements.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Most of it dwelt on the Arab upheavals rather than the Israel-Palestinian tangle.

The Economist

But it dwelled on the generic topic of jazz and American culture.

Duke University

It also dwells on topics that are not typically discussed by today's just war theorists.

SEP

It also dwells on torture, which could easily reflect Guantánamo.

Vice

They don't have much time to think about it or dwell on it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ this phrase when you want to emphasize that a discussion or analysis spends considerable time exploring a specific theme or detail. For example: 'The documentary "it dwells on" the challenges faced by the community.'

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it dwells on" is somewhat formal. Avoid overusing it in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it focuses on" or "it's about" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it dwells on" functions as a verbal phrase that introduces the central theme or topic of a discussion, analysis, or piece of media. It indicates a concentrated focus or in-depth exploration of a particular subject. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

8%

Books

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it dwells on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to highlight a significant area of focus within a broader topic. As affirmed by Ludwig, its versatility allows it to fit within multiple contexts, most commonly in news, media and books. While "it dwells on" is perfectly acceptable, remember that alternatives such as "it focuses on" or "it emphasizes", depending on the context, can provide a similar meaning with a slightly different nuance. When writing, be mindful of the register and audience to ensure the phrase is used appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it focuses on

This alternative directly replaces "dwells" with "focuses", emphasizing a concentration of attention on a subject.

it emphasizes

This alternative highlights the act of giving special importance or prominence to something.

it concentrates on

This alternative suggests a gathering or focusing of attention or resources on a particular point or area.

it elaborates on

This suggests a more detailed or complex development of an idea or topic.

it expounds on

Similar to 'elaborates', but implies a more formal or thorough explanation.

it lingers on

This alternative evokes a sense of spending more time or attention on something, often with pleasure or reluctance.

it revolves around

This implies that something has a central importance to the topic being discussed.

it dedicates itself to

Implies a commitment or allocation of resources towards a specific aim or subject.

it is concerned with

Highlights that the topic is related to a certain subject.

it meditates on

Suggests a deeper, more reflective consideration of a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "it dwells on" in a sentence?

The phrase "it dwells on" is used to indicate that a particular subject or piece of work focuses significantly on a specific aspect or idea. For example, "The article "it dwells on" the impact of social media on political campaigns."

What phrases are similar to "it dwells on"?

Alternatives to "it dwells on" include "it focuses on", "it emphasizes", or "it concentrates on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it dwells on" too formal for casual writing?

While "it dwells on" is grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat formal. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "it focuses on" or "it is about".

What's the difference between "it dwells on" and "it touches on"?

"It dwells on" suggests a significant amount of time and attention is dedicated to a topic, whereas "it touches on" implies only a brief or superficial mention.