Chew on it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Chew on it" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting someone take time to think about or consider something. Example: "I need you to chew on it before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "Think it over" and "Mull it over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chew on it for a while (make sure you spit, not swallow), cop a real nice buzz, and take in the sights (that's what I did).

Vice

These residents are not the only ones the Chew on It crew met whose aspirations are not in line with western development programmes championing sustainable development and micro credit schemes.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's time to lay it out on the table and let the American people start to chew on it," said Alan K. Simpson, the former Republican Senate leader who is one of the co-chairmen, along with Erskine B. Bowles, who was White House chief of staff under President Bill Clinton.

The New York Times

But chew on it a while anyway.

The New Yorker

Bring your A-1 and chew on it".

The New York Times

"He didn't chew on it," Feller later said about Brennaman's remarks.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's what melts in your mouth and when you chew on it, it explodes in flavor".

The New York Times - Tech

Nobody could bite a lyric, and then chew on it and chew on it, like Ms. Holliday, whose emotive singing style here reminds you how empty most of the melismatic vocalizing on "American Idol" and its various copycats has become.

The New York Times

This is the educational tool as teething ring: the child can chew on it without destroying it.

The New York Times - Arts

"Then I tied it up in rope and let the ocean chew on it for a while".

The New York Times

Treat the song like a museum piece and lightly dust around it, or chew on it heartily and make something less recognizable of it?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chew on it" when you want to suggest that someone should take some time to think carefully about something, especially if it's complex or requires careful consideration.

Common error

Don't use "chew on it" if you need someone to make a quick decision. This phrase implies a longer period of consideration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chew on it" functions as an idiom, typically used as a directive or suggestion. It invites the listener or reader to consider something thoughtfully. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its idiomatic function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

27%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Chew on it" is a common, informal phrase used to encourage thoughtful consideration of a topic. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki. While it's a versatile expression, it's best suited for informal settings and situations where careful deliberation is valued. For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "ponder it" or "reflect on it". Understanding its implications prevents misapplication in formal communications. In essence, it's an idiomatic expression that conveys the need for careful thought.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Think it over

Is a more direct and general way of asking someone to consider something.

Consider it

Implies a careful and balanced assessment of something.

Give it some thought

Asks someone to dedicate time to thinking about something.

Ponder it

Focuses on thoughtful consideration; it's a bit more formal and implies deeper thinking.

Reflect on it

Emphasizes a more formal and thoughtful contemplation.

Mull it over

Suggests a relaxed and informal consideration of a matter.

Digest it

Is similar to 'chew on it' but less common and suggests processing information.

Take it into consideration

Suggests including something as a factor in your decision-making process.

Let it sink in

Implies allowing an idea or information to fully register in one's mind.

Grapple with it

Implies struggling to understand or resolve a complex issue.

FAQs

What does "chew on it" mean?

The phrase "chew on it" means to think carefully about something over a period of time. It suggests taking your time to consider all aspects of a situation or idea.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "chew on it"?

It's appropriate to use "chew on it" when you want someone to consider something thoughtfully, especially when the issue is complex or requires careful deliberation. Avoid using it when a quick decision is needed.

What can I say instead of "chew on it"?

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

Is "chew on it" formal or informal?

"Chew on it" is generally considered an informal phrase. It's more suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing. For business or academic settings, consider using more formal alternatives.