What are the definitions of “fasten on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Give attention to something that confirms your beliefs.
They have FASTENED ON the speech as a source of inspiration.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fasten on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fasten on is to give attention to something that confirms your beliefs or supports your ideas. It often means focusing on a specific detail or aspect of a situation that reinforces your point of view.
What are the different verb forms of “fasten on”?
| Root Verb | fasten on |
| Third Person Singular Present | fastens on |
| Present Participle | fastening on |
| Simple Past | fastened on |
| Past Participle | fastened on |
Example
She fastened on the positive feedback from her boss.
Example
He fastens on the one mistake in an otherwise perfect report.
Example
They are fastening on the new policy as evidence of progress.
Example
The media fastened on the celebrity's controversial statement.
Example
The politician fastened on the opponent's weak argument.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fasten on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“fasten on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She fastened on the positive feedback from her boss.
Example
The media fastened on the celebrity's controversial statement.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“fasten on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She fastened on the positive feedback from her boss.
Example
The media fastened on the celebrity's controversial statement.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fasten on”?
Fasten on something
To focus on a specific detail or aspect of a situation that supports your point of view.
Example
The politician fastened on the opponent's weak argument to discredit them.
Good things to know
Does “fasten on” have an informal or formal tone?
Fasten on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings such as academic discussions, professional meetings, or written documents.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “fasten on”?
Synonyms
- focus on
- concentrate on
- zero in on
- hone in on
- latch onto
- dwell on
- fixate on
Antonyms
- disregard
- ignore
- overlook
- neglect
- miss
- gloss over
