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Phrasal verbs "dwell on" vs "focus on"

Differences between dwell on and focus on

Dwell on means to think or talk about something for a long time, often in a negative way, while focus on means to give attention or emphasis to something.

Meanings and Definitions: dwell on vs focus on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Dwell on

  • 1Spend a lot of time on something.

    The programme DWELLED ON little other than the scandal.

Focus on

  • 1Concentrate.

    The report FOCUSES ON the company's weak points.

Usage Examples: dwell on, focus on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

dwell on

Example

I don't want to dwell on the past.

Example

She dwells on her mistakes too much.

focus on

Example

I need to focus on my studies to pass the exam.

Example

She focuses on her work to meet the deadline.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Dwell on

fixate on

To focus one's attention or thoughts on something to an excessive degree.

Example

He tends to fixate on small details and overlook the bigger picture.

harbor resentment

To hold onto feelings of anger or bitterness towards someone or something.

Example

She harbors resentment towards her ex-boyfriend for cheating on her.

ruminate on

To think deeply or repeatedly about something, often in a melancholic or introspective way.

Example

After the breakup, he spent weeks ruminating on what went wrong and how he could have prevented it.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Focus on

pay attention to

To give one's focus or consideration to something.

Example

During the lecture, she made sure to pay attention to the professor's key points.

zero in on

To direct one's attention or efforts towards a specific target or goal.

Example

The marketing team needs to zero in on the target audience's preferences to create effective campaigns.

put emphasis on

To highlight or prioritize something as important or significant.

Example

The company's mission statement puts emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “dwell”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in dwell on vs focus on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: dwell on or focus on?

In everyday conversation, people use focus on more often than dwell on. This is because focus on is a more versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts, such as work, sports, or personal development. Dwell on is less common and often used in specific situations where someone is stuck on a negative thought or experience.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of dwell on and focus on

Dwell on and focus on are both informal phrases suitable for casual conversations. However, in more formal settings like academic or professional contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of dwell on and focus on

The tone of dwell on and focus on can differ based on context. Dwell on often carries a negative or obsessive tone, while focus on typically has a positive and productive tone.

dwell on & focus on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Dwell on

Synonyms

Focus on

Synonyms

Antonyms

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