a matter of reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a matter of reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance of thinking deeply about a topic or situation. Example: "In making this decision, it is essential to treat it as a matter of reflection to ensure we consider all perspectives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Meunier opted for an illustrative approach; here it is more a matter of reflection.

The Guardian

So I don't know if it's a matter of reflection, I don't know that implies a kind of peaceful recognition of the situation.

The Guardian - Music

Some have picked up on what Leibniz says in the quotation above ("…apperception, which is consciousness, or the reflective knowledge of this internal state") and argue that consciousness, for Leibniz, is a matter of reflection.

SEP

In contrast, the mirror mechanism suggests that it is not a matter of reflection at all: you feel what the other person is feeling or what the character is doing on screen because the same thing is happening "in" you.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It's a matter-of-fact reflection of a city's seething internal dynamics, an opportunity to probe inequities of race, class and gender that few American movies, let alone American genre movies, ever attempt to address". Indeed once the adaptation's setting was in place, the true heart of the story would come to life as the McQueen and Flynn embarked on fleshing out the key female characters.

Los Angeles Times

The exaltation of the executive and the attack on the importance of the Reichstag were not only a matter of intellectual reflection.

The Washington Post

"People who choose urban education are doing God's work," he said, "and where they choose to teach and how they choose to dedicate themselves is a matter of personal reflection".

The New York Times

However, philosophy is often viewed as more a matter of solitary reflection, perhaps involving exchanges between a few other solitary thinkers something to which the "masses" are neither privy nor attracted.

SEP

"Angles of Reflection" has a matter-of-fact straightforwardness as gripping as a whodunit, but it is fundamentally a philosophical essay on mathematics.

The New York Times - Books

Each guest seemed to think that what he or she wound up ordering was a matter of identity, a reflection of self.

The New York Times - Food

Navasky's books include "Kennedy Justice," an examination of Robert F. Kennedy's role as head of the U.S. Department of Justice; "Naming Names," an analysis of the Hollywood blacklist, which won a National Book Award; and "A Matter of Opinion," a reflection on his journalistic experiences, which won the 2005 George Polk Book Award and the 2006 Ann M. Sperber Prize.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a matter of reflection" when you want to emphasize the need for careful and thorough consideration before making a decision or forming an opinion.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "a matter of reflection" in very casual conversation can sound overly formal. Opt for simpler phrases like "something to think about" or "worth considering" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of reflection" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. As Ludwig AI suggests, it indicates something that requires or deserves careful thought and consideration. It can highlight the importance of introspection and thoughtful analysis before reaching a conclusion.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a matter of reflection" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to emphasize the need for thoughtful consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. The phrase encourages careful analysis and deliberation, making it suitable for formal and neutral registers. Alternatives like "a subject of contemplation" or "a topic for consideration" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Avoid overuse in casual settings to maintain an appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subject of contemplation

Replaces 'matter' with 'subject', emphasizing the focus of thought.

a topic for consideration

Shifts from internal thought to external discussion or evaluation.

a point of introspection

Highlights self-examination and internal understanding.

an area for contemplation

Similar to 'subject', but suggests a broader scope of thought.

an issue for deliberation

Implies a more formal and structured process of thinking.

a question for consideration

Frames the reflection as a query needing an answer.

a time for contemplation

Emphasizes the temporal aspect of the reflective process.

worthy of consideration

Highlights the merit of the reflection.

deserving of thought

Emphasizes the importance of thinking about the matter.

something to ponder

Suggests a more casual and less structured form of reflection.

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of reflection" to introduce the need for thoughtful consideration, such as, "Deciding on a career path is "a matter of reflection" and careful planning.".

What are some alternatives to "a matter of reflection"?

Alternatives include "a subject of contemplation", "a topic for consideration", or "a point of introspection" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a matter of reflection" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, using "a matter of reflection" might sound formal in casual settings. Consider using simpler alternatives like "something to think about".

What's the difference between "a matter of reflection" and "a matter of opinion"?

"A matter of reflection" implies thoughtful consideration, while "a matter of opinion" suggests a subjective viewpoint that may not be based on deep thinking. Choosing between them depends on whether you want to emphasize thoughtfulness or subjectivity.