a long reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a thoughtful consideration or contemplation that takes a significant amount of time or depth. Example: "After a long reflection on the events of the past year, she decided to make some significant changes in her life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The major indictment in "Life Sentences" is the essay "Kinds of Killing," a long reflection on the Holocaust inspired by Richard J. Evans's history of the Third Reich.

The New York Times - Books

Unless the House of Commons has ratified the withdrawal agreement by then momentum is growing across the EU for a lengthy postponement to give Britain a "long reflection period".

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was not a theological conversion, but, after long reflection, a spiritual impulse to join the disempowered.

The Guardian

Christian Marclay's The Clock is a twenty-four hour long reflection on time and the experience of watching films.

Huffington Post

"This is a man who reached the conclusion – after long reflection and a lifetime's experience of business – that it would be better to vote Leave.

The Guardian

"This is a man who reached the conclusion - after long reflection and a lifetime's experience of business - that it would be better to Vote Leave.

BBC

Being in a dark mood, I imagined some advice like: "After long reflection, sir, we are sorry to inform you that the best solution would be to change your face".

The New York Times

One strength of this long reflection, which lends his writing credibility, is that he has avoided taking sides.

The New York Times

After long reflection, of at least 12 seconds, as measured on my elitist Rolex, I've decided the second theory is more convincing.

The New York Times

On long reflection, I have decided that our evolutionary weaknesses, the flaws that will destroy us, are selfishness and lack of imagination.

The Guardian - Opinion

After long reflection from Steven Crandell on Vimeo.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long reflection", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reflected upon and why the reflection is significant. This provides a clearer understanding for the reader and enhances the impact of your statement.

Common error

Don't use "a long reflection" without specifying the subject or purpose of the reflection. Vague references can weaken your argument and leave the reader guessing. For instance, instead of saying "After a long reflection, I made a decision", specify "After a long reflection on my career goals, I decided to pursue further education."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long reflection" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the act of thinking deeply and extensively about something, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long reflection" is a noun phrase that denotes a significant period of deep and thoughtful consideration. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for describing a process of thorough evaluation. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to specify the subject of the reflection to avoid vagueness and enhance clarity. Related phrases include "a lengthy deliberation" and "a profound contemplation", offering alternative ways to convey deep thinking.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a lengthy deliberation

Replaces "reflection" with "deliberation", emphasizing the careful consideration of different options or arguments. Has a similar level of formality.

a profound contemplation

Substitutes "long" with "profound" and "reflection" with "contemplation", suggesting a deep and significant level of thought.

extensive introspection

Focuses on self-examination; less about external factors and more about internal feelings and thoughts.

a protracted consideration

Highlights the extended duration of the thinking process; "protracted" adds emphasis on length.

careful rumination

Implies a slow, thoughtful turning over of a subject in the mind; emphasizes thoroughness.

sustained meditation

Suggests a focused, often spiritual, period of contemplation.

an extended period of thought

Rephrases the idea with more general terms, focusing on the duration of thinking.

deep soul-searching

Emphasizes intense emotional and moral self-examination, often in response to a crisis.

serious pondering

Conveys thoughtful consideration with a sense of weightiness and importance.

thorough reevaluation

Emphasizes the act of reassessing something completely, often to make changes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a long reflection" to describe a period of deep and thoughtful consideration. For example: "After "a long reflection" on the company's performance, the CEO decided to implement new strategies."

What's a more formal way to say "a long reflection"?

If you need a more formal alternative, consider using "a lengthy deliberation" or "a profound contemplation". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a more elevated tone.

How does ""a long reflection"" differ from "a quick thought"?

"A long reflection" implies a deep and extended period of thinking, while "a quick thought" refers to a brief and often spontaneous idea. The former suggests careful consideration, whereas the latter suggests impulsivity.

When is it appropriate to use ""a long reflection""?

It's appropriate to use ""a long reflection"" when you want to emphasize the amount of time and effort someone has put into thinking about something. Use it when the process of thinking is significant to the context.