a time for reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time for reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing moments or periods that are suitable for thinking deeply about experiences, decisions, or feelings. Example: "After the challenging year we had, I believe it's important to set aside a time for reflection to understand what we've learned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a time for reflection and, to me, to shine a light for that memory.

Huffington Post

"It is not a time for reflection," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

This is not a time for reflection, Fox said.

The New York Times - Sports

Vacations are a time for reflection, just as much as they are for distraction.

The Guardian - Opinion

She adds that it is a time for "reflection rather than celebration".

The Guardian

A time for reflection, and some wound-licking, at Paramount's London HQ.

The Guardian - Film

Before I took maternity leave, an older, wiser friend counseled that this would be a time for reflection.

The New York Times

You could certainly be forgiven for thinking it might be a time for reflection, remembrance and, ultimately, moving on.

The New York Times

"It's a time for reflection, composure and looking for miracles for the country — and ourselves," he told the Irish Times.

The New York Times

But a year-end column, I thought, might be a time for reflection, questions and qualms about this technology.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's been a time for reflection and the start of a whole new life," Ms. Gardner said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a time for reflection" when you want to emphasize the importance of pausing to consider past events, current situations, or future plans. This phrase is suitable for both personal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a time for reflection" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a moment for contemplation" or "a period of introspection" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time for reflection" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies a specific period or moment dedicated to thoughtful consideration. Ludwig examples confirm its common usage across various contexts to denote the act of pausing and thinking deeply about something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time for reflection" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that emphasizes the value of pausing to thoughtfully consider experiences, decisions, or feelings. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly appears in various contexts, including news articles, business communications, and academic writings. While alternatives like "a moment for contemplation" or "a period of introspection" exist, "a time for reflection" is widely recognized and effectively conveys the need for thoughtful consideration. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment for contemplation

Emphasizes a brief period dedicated to deep thought.

a period of introspection

Highlights the process of examining one's own thoughts and feelings.

a chance for contemplation

Suggests an opportunity to think deeply.

a moment of contemplation

Highlights a specific, short instance of thinking deeply.

a period for introspection

Focuses on an extended duration dedicated to self-examination.

a chance for introspection

Implies an available opportunity to engage in self-analysis.

a moment for introspection

Similar to moment for contemplation, but emphasizes self-analysis.

a period of reflection

Slightly more formal, denoting a specific, sustained duration.

a space for reflection

Focuses on the environment or opportunity enabling reflective thought.

a pause for thought

Implies a short break to consider something carefully.

FAQs

How can I use "a time for reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "a time for reflection" to describe occasions or periods dedicated to thinking deeply about something. For example, "The end of the year is often "a time for reflection" on the past 12 months".

What are some alternatives to "a time for reflection"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a moment for contemplation", "a period of introspection", or "a pause for thought".

Is it always necessary to use "a time for reflection", or can I use a simpler phrase?

While "a time for reflection" is perfectly acceptable, simpler phrases like "thinking time" or "quiet contemplation" can be used in more informal settings. The choice depends on the tone and formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "a time for reflection" and "a time for action"?

"A time for reflection" implies a period of thoughtful consideration and analysis, while "a time for action" suggests that it's the right moment to take decisive steps or implement plans. They represent opposite phases in a process.