Mull it over

USAGE SUMMARY

"Mull it over" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when suggesting someone take time to think about something carefully. Example: "Take your time to mull it over before making a decision." Alternative expressions include "think it over," "consider it," and "reflect on it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mull it over for a bit before you break up.

WikiHow

"I'll have to mull it over," she said.

The New York Times

While I mull it over, I keep going.

The New York Times - Magazine

I have to mull it over for a few days, think it over from front to back.

The New York Times

Most e-commerce sites try to steer customers toward a purchase, while Warby Parker encourages people to mull it over, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Two close friends began ribbing her: "Why are you falling for a bad boy?" She soon had a chance to mull it over at a youth-leadership retreat.

The New York Times

"I have a good idea now which direction I want to go," Mr. Paterson said, but said he wanted to mull it over for several more days.

The New York Times

If you wanted to figure something out, you had to talk to your friends and co-workers, or mull it over for yourself.

The New Yorker

I'm not sure I completely agree with that assessment, but let me take some time to mull it over and maybe we can sit down again next week once I've had a chance to consider it carefully,'" says Kerr.

Independent

Dr. Verlinsky said, too, that the couple had not made their decision in "a moment of emotion," but had had weeks and months to mull it over, because the medical procedures they went through in order to conceive take time.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

While the Times hardly crumbled at the writers' feet, they did step back to mull it over but other newspapers have already caught the virus and are demanding copyright ownership, namely the Chicago Tribune and the Boston Globe.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mull it over" when you want to suggest a period of thoughtful consideration, especially before making a decision.

Common error

While acceptable, "mull it over" can sound slightly informal in very formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "consider" or "deliberate" to maintain a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mull it over" functions as a phrasal verb, signifying the action of thinking deeply and carefully about something. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in encouraging thoughtful consideration before reaching a decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mull it over" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to suggest thoughtful consideration before making a decision. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in News & Media and Wiki contexts, holding a neutral register. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to consider the formality of your writing and choose a more formal alternative when appropriate. Alternatives include "think about it" or "consider it".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Think about it

This alternative is more direct and less formal.

Give it some thought

This alternative is slightly more casual and emphasizes the act of thinking.

Consider it

This alternative is more formal and concise.

Ponder it

This alternative suggests a more deliberate and thoughtful process.

Give it due consideration

This alternative stresses the importance of careful thought and attention.

Reflect on it

This alternative implies a deeper and more contemplative consideration.

Deliberate on it

This alternative highlights the careful and thorough nature of the consideration.

Weigh it up

This alternative focuses on balancing different aspects before making a decision.

Chew on it

This alternative is more informal and suggests a longer, more relaxed period of consideration.

Take it under advisement

This alternative suggests a formal process of consideration, often in a professional setting.

FAQs

What does "mull it over" mean?

"Mull it over" means to think carefully and deeply about something before making a decision.

How can I use "mull it over" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "I need some time to "mull it over" before I decide".

What are some alternatives to "mull it over"?

You can use alternatives like "think about it", "consider it", or "reflect on it" depending on the context.

Is "mull it over" formal or informal?

"Mull it over" is generally considered neutral to slightly informal. In very formal contexts, "consider it" or "deliberate on it" might be more appropriate.