Upon reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Upon reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has thought about something carefully or reconsidered a situation. Example: "Upon reflection, I realized that my initial decision was not the best one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Upon reflection, it's an obvious idea.

The New York Times - Arts

Upon reflection, I have to agree with his version.

The New York Times

Upon reflection, a desire for recognition seems irrational.

The New York Times

"Upon reflection we appreciate this may be a little misleading.

Independent

"Upon reflection, it seemed to me that those problems were quite serious".

The New York Times

Upon reflection, she says she had "the best of that greedy decade".

The Guardian

Upon reflection, even Morris was appalled by those words and later apologized.

The New Yorker

Upon reflection this week, the Nets' president, Rod Thorn, found one.

The New York Times

Upon reflection, she came to the conclusion that he must have acted out of conscience.

The New York Times

Upon reflection, it's quite remarkable how perceptive children as young as seven are to another's differences.

The Guardian - Sport

Upon reflection, Sabathia called it crazy to confront Pujols all the time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Upon reflection" to introduce a considered judgment or revised opinion after careful thought. It adds a tone of thoughtful consideration to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "Upon reflection" when expressing a spontaneous thought or initial reaction. This phrase is most effective when used to indicate a conclusion reached after a period of deliberation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Upon reflection" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically introduces a clause expressing a thought or realization that follows a period of consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used to introduce a considered judgment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Upon reflection" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase used to introduce thoughts and conclusions derived from careful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and its prevalence in news media, scientific, and formal contexts highlights its wide applicability. While appropriate for formal writing, it's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring it reflects a thought process rather than a spontaneous reaction. Consider alternatives like "in retrospect" or "on second thought" depending on the intended tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In retrospect

Emphasizes looking back at a past event or situation, offering a slightly more formal tone.

After reconsideration

Highlights the act of actively rethinking something, suggesting a deliberate process.

On second thought

Indicates a change of mind after some initial consideration, often used in more casual contexts.

Looking back

Focuses on reviewing past events or decisions, providing a retrospective viewpoint.

With hindsight

Implies understanding a situation more clearly after it has occurred, often revealing missed opportunities or mistakes.

In hindsight

Similar to 'with hindsight', but slightly more concise.

After further thought

Suggests that additional contemplation has taken place, leading to a refined perspective.

Having considered

Implies a more formal and thorough evaluation of something.

Reconsidering

Focuses on the act of thinking again about a previous decision or opinion.

After reviewing

Suggests a more systematic and analytical approach to rethinking.

FAQs

How can I use "Upon reflection" in a sentence?

Use "Upon reflection" to introduce a thought or realization that comes after careful consideration of a past event, idea, or decision. For example, "Upon reflection, I realized that my initial assessment was incorrect."

What phrases are similar to "Upon reflection"?

Alternatives include "in retrospect", "after reconsideration", or "on second thought", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "Upon reflection" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "Upon reflection" is appropriate for formal writing. It conveys a sense of thoughtful consideration and is often used in academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

What's the difference between "Upon reflection" and "After reflection"?

While both phrases are similar, "Upon reflection" is slightly more formal and implies a more immediate transition to the reflected thought. "After reflection" may suggest a more extended period of contemplation.