I've been reflecting on

USAGE SUMMARY

'I've been reflecting on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that you have spent a period of time thinking deeply or carefully about something. For example: "I've been reflecting on my career choices recently and I've decided to pursue a different path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

(Female nursing graduate, WA) "…actually that's one of the things that I've been reflecting on of late…how little to nothing I know about what physiotherapists …pharmacists…occupational therapists…social work does, and what they have to offer.

BMC Medical Education

But here in San Francisco, I've been reflecting on a different kind of groupie-worthy icon -- the one and only E. O. Wilson, champion of conservation, father of sociobiology and distinguished lover of all things six-legged.

Huffington Post

I've been reflecting on networking.

The Guardian - Money

In recent days, I've been reflecting on some of the turmoil of the past two years.

The Guardian - Opinion

This whole week, I've been reflecting on this idea of grace.

The Guardian

Part of the problem was – and I've been reflecting on it lately – I was too young.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I have been reflecting on what he had in common with another teacher and thinker.

Independent

He said: "I have been reflecting on this for some time.

The Guardian

"Since the anniversary, I have been reflecting on realities," she said.

The Guardian

Only today I have been reflecting on movie journalists' excitable habit of taking awards nominations far too personally.

The Guardian - Film

"I have been reflecting on it and came to the conclusion that I'm not going to let one experience change the relationship my family and I have with UConn," Burton said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I've been reflecting on" to introduce a topic you have been thinking about deeply over a period of time, demonstrating thoughtful consideration. For instance, "I've been reflecting on the impact of technology on our lives and its ethical implications."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "I've been reflecting on" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Consider using simpler alternatives like "I've been thinking about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I've been reflecting on" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase, indicating a prolonged period of contemplation or consideration. As Ludwig AI points out, it signals an action that began in the past and extends to the present, focusing on the duration of the mental process.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I've been reflecting on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used present perfect continuous phrase that introduces a topic of prolonged thought. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's particularly common in news and media, signaling thoughtful consideration. While versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives such as "I've been thinking about" in casual settings to maintain a natural conversational tone. Remember to deploy this phrase to preface topics you've earnestly pondered, enhancing your communication with depth and intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've been contemplating

Replaces "reflecting" with "contemplating", suggesting a more thoughtful consideration.

I've been pondering

Uses "pondering" instead of "reflecting", implying a deeper, more prolonged thought process.

I've been considering

Substitutes "reflecting" with "considering", indicating a deliberate evaluation of something.

I've given thought to

Changes the structure to emphasize the act of giving thought.

I've been thinking about

A more general and informal way of expressing reflection.

I've meditated on

Implies a more spiritual or introspective type of reflection.

I've been musing over

Suggests a gentle and relaxed form of reflection.

I've turned over in my mind

Emphasizes the cyclical nature of reflection.

I've been weighing up

Focuses on balancing different aspects during reflection.

My thoughts have been occupied with

Shifts the focus to what has been occupying the mind.

FAQs

How can I use "I've been reflecting on" in a sentence?

Use "I've been reflecting on" to introduce a topic you have been thinking about carefully. For example, "I've been reflecting on my career goals and what steps I need to take to achieve them."

What are some alternatives to "I've been reflecting on"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "I've been thinking about", "I've been considering", or "I've been contemplating" as alternatives to "I've been reflecting on".

Is "I've been reflecting on" formal or informal?

"I've been reflecting on" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase. It is suitable for both writing and speaking but might sound a bit too formal for very casual conversations. Consider "I've been thinking about" for a more informal tone.

What's the difference between "I've been reflecting on" and "I'm reflecting on"?

"I've been reflecting on" (present perfect continuous) implies a process that started in the past and continues to the present, while "I'm reflecting on" (present continuous) suggests a more immediate or ongoing action. The former emphasizes the duration of the thought process.