Reflect on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Reflect on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to think deeply or carefully about a particular subject or experience. Example: "After the meeting, I took some time to reflect on the feedback I received from my colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reflect on this.

Vice

Reflect on it.

Huffington Post

Reflect on them.

Huffington Post

Reflect on your past.

WikiHow

Reflect on your motives.

WikiHow

Reflect on your needs.

WikiHow

Reflect on you.

WikiHow

Reflect on the problem.

WikiHow

Reflect on your failures.

WikiHow

Reflect on your breakup.

WikiHow

Reflect on your scores.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reflect on" when you want to encourage thoughtful consideration of a past event, decision, or experience. It's particularly effective when seeking lessons or insights.

Common error

Avoid using "reflect on" when the context implies dwelling excessively on negative aspects without seeking constructive outcomes. Ruminating can lead to unproductive overthinking, while reflecting aims for clarity and growth.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "reflect on" functions as an intransitive verb that requires a preposition ("on") to connect it to its object. According to Ludwig AI, it encourages careful consideration of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

25%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reflect on" is a frequently used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that encourages thoughtful consideration and introspection. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is versatile, fitting both formal and informal contexts, but particularly common in wiki and news media. When aiming for alternatives, consider options like "contemplate" or "consider", but be mindful of nuances to avoid unproductive rumination.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Contemplate

Focuses more on the act of deep thinking or meditation, without necessarily implying a past event.

Consider

Suggests a more deliberate and analytical thought process, often before making a decision.

Ponder

Implies a slower, more thoughtful consideration, often of something weighty or mysterious.

Meditate on

Suggests a spiritual or calming approach to thinking deeply about something.

Think over

Emphasizes the process of reviewing something in one's mind.

Give thought to

Highlights the act of dedicating time and attention to thinking about something.

Mull over

Suggests a quiet, internal consideration of something, often over time.

Deliberate about

Focuses on careful and thorough discussion and consideration.

Ruminate on

Implies a deep, often prolonged, and sometimes anxious consideration.

Chew over

Suggests thinking about something thoroughly and repeatedly, like chewing food.

FAQs

How can I use "Reflect on" in a sentence?

"Reflect on" is typically followed by the subject you are contemplating, such as: "Reflect on your actions" or "Reflect on the past".

What are some alternatives to "Reflect on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "contemplate", "consider", or "ponder".

Is "Reflect on" formal or informal?

"Reflect on" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile choice for various writing styles.

What is the difference between "Reflect on" and "Think about"?

"Reflect on" suggests a deeper, more thoughtful consideration, often of past events or experiences, while "think about" is more general and can refer to any subject.