With hindsight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "With hindsight" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that one is reflecting on a past event with the knowledge and understanding gained from it. Example: "With hindsight, I realize that I should have taken that job offer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

With hindsight, yes.

The Economist

With hindsight, I agree.

The Guardian - Books

With hindsight, he has been proved right.

The Economist

With hindsight, it paid far too much.

The Economist

With hindsight, it seems a straightforward decision.

The Economist

With hindsight, the accident was inevitable.

Independent

(With hindsight, of course, it always was).

The Guardian - Books

With hindsight, the outcome became inevitable.

The Guardian - Opinion

With hindsight, I know both are possible.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With hindsight, was it wrong to have done so?

Independent

With hindsight one can easily condemn the monitorial system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "With hindsight" to introduce a reflection on a past event, particularly when you've gained new understanding or perspective that influences your current view. It's effective for conveying a sense of learning or change in viewpoint.

Common error

Avoid beginning too many sentences or paragraphs with "With hindsight" in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your reflection seem repetitive and predictable. Vary your sentence structure and consider using alternative phrases like "in retrospect" or "looking back" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "With hindsight" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a clause or sentence to indicate that the statement is made from the perspective of someone who now has more information than they did at the time of the event being discussed. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often introduces a revised judgment or understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "With hindsight" is a correct and very common prepositional phrase used to introduce a reflection on past events with the benefit of current knowledge. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial phrase and is most frequently found in News & Media sources. While the phrase maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide array of contexts, it's important to avoid overuse and to consider alternative phrases like "in retrospect" or "looking back" to maintain reader engagement. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and appropriate register, writers can effectively use "With hindsight" to convey insightful reflections and revised judgments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In retrospect

Indicates a review of past events, similar to having a second look.

Looking back

Focuses on the act of remembering and reconsidering past events.

Knowing what I know now

Highlights the influence of current knowledge on past decisions.

With the benefit of experience

Emphasizes the value gained from past experiences.

If I had known then what I know now

Emphasizes the difference between past ignorance and present awareness.

In light of later events

Suggests understanding events based on subsequent outcomes.

On reflection

Implies careful and thoughtful consideration of the past.

With due consideration

Highlights a balance review of past events and happenings

Upon closer examination

Stresses the act of checking of past event with close attention.

With the wisdom of time

Emphasizes the maturation and perspective gained over time.

FAQs

How can I use "With hindsight" in a sentence?

"With hindsight" is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or clause to indicate that you are reflecting on a past event with knowledge you didn't have at the time. For example, "With hindsight, I should have invested in that company."

What phrases are similar to "With hindsight"?

Alternatives to "With hindsight" include "in retrospect", "looking back", and "knowing what I know now". These phrases all convey a sense of reflecting on the past with current knowledge.

Is it always appropriate to start a sentence with "With hindsight"?

While grammatically correct, starting too many sentences with "With hindsight" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and consider integrating the phrase into the middle or end of the sentence for a more natural flow.

How does "With hindsight" differ from "at the time"?

"With hindsight" implies a contrast between what was known or understood in the past and what is known now. "At the time" simply refers to the circumstances or understanding present during a past event, without necessarily implying a change in perspective.