Phrasal verb
dwell on
Definition
phrasal verb. to spend a lot of time thinking or talking about something, especially something bad or unpleasant.
phrasal verb. to linger over or obsessively focus on a specific subject, typically a past mistake or a negative event.
Examples
“Don't dwell on your mistakes; just learn from them.”
“She tended to dwell on the argument for days, replayng every word in her head.”
“While it is necessary to acknowledge historical failures, we must not dwell on them to the point of paralysis.”
Examples
simple
“Don't dwell on your mistakes; just learn from them.”
contextual
“She tended to dwell on the argument for days, replayng every word in her head.”
complex
“While it is necessary to acknowledge historical failures, we must not dwell on them to the point of paralysis.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “dwell on” in context.
Verb
01. dwell on the details
“The speaker didn't dwell on the details of the plan, but gave a broad overview of the goals.”
verb + prep + noun
02. dwell on the past
“It is not healthy to dwell on the past when you have such a bright future ahead of you.”
verb + prep + noun
03. refuse to dwell on
“She refused to dwell on her disappointment and immediately started looking for a new job.”
verb + infinitive
04. tend to dwell on
“He tends to dwell on the negative aspects of every situation rather than seeing the benefits.”
verb + infinitive
Adverb
05. constantly dwell on
“If you constantly dwell on your past mistakes, you will never find the confidence to move forward.”
adv + verb
06. hardly dwell on
“The report hardly dwells on the technical details, focusing instead on the economic impact.”
adv + verb
07. unnecessarily dwell on
“There is no need to unnecessarily dwell on the negative feedback we received.”
adv + verb
Usage
usually followed by a noun phrase representing a negative past event or a worry.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'think about' (neutral) and 'brood over' (more emotional/moody); 'dwell on' implies a repetitive, unproductive mental loop.
Pitfall
He dwells in his past failures.
He dwells on his past failures.
use 'dwell on' for thoughts; 'dwell in' is a literal, archaic term for living in a physical place.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
dwell + on + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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