an ounce of reflection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an ounce of reflection" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest that a small amount of thoughtful consideration can lead to better understanding or decision-making. Example: "Before making a final decision, I believe that an ounce of reflection could help clarify our options."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It would be a lot easier for the left to engage in a little postwar reconsideration if it saw even an ounce of reflection, contrition or self-criticism coming from the conservatives, such as Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld, who drove this war, yet so bungled its aftermath and so misjudged the complexity of postwar Iraq.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

An ancient proverb proposed that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

Critical Care

"Haven't an ounce of patience".

The New Yorker

She mixes two ounces of Ketel One with half an ounce of cinnamon vodka, an ounce of Calvados and two ounces of apple cider or juice.

The New York Times - Food

Use an ounce of sunscreen per large child or adult.

Harvard University

There isn't an ounce of contrivance.

The New York Times

Ashish blogs at an Ounce of Evidence.

The New York Times

It is a performance without an ounce of emotional slop.

The New Yorker

No amount of assertion will make an ounce of art.

The New Yorker

"There's not an ounce of man in you".

The New York Times

There wasn't an ounce of greed in him".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an ounce of reflection" when you want to emphasize that even a small amount of careful thought can be beneficial in a given situation.

Common error

While the phrase is valid, avoid using it too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Opt for synonyms like "a moment of consideration" or "careful thought" to diversify your vocabulary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an ounce of reflection" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It highlights the value or necessity of thoughtfulness. Ludwig provides examples confirming its use in formal writing to advocate for careful consideration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an ounce of reflection" is a noun phrase emphasizing the value of even a small amount of thoughtful consideration. It's grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-formed and serves to advocate for careful thought before action. While valid, it's best to use it sparingly and consider synonyms like "a moment of consideration" to avoid repetition. Its effectiveness lies in its concise and impactful delivery of the importance of thoughtfulness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a moment of consideration

Focuses on the brevity and importance of taking time to think.

a bit of contemplation

Emphasizes a slightly more extended and internal period of thought.

a little introspection

Highlights self-examination and looking inward.

a touch of thoughtfulness

Underlines the quality of being considerate and mindful.

a grain of wisdom

Suggests that reflection can lead to increased understanding and good judgment.

a second thought

Indicates re-evaluating something previously considered.

some careful thought

Highlights the thoroughness and attention applied to the thinking process.

a reflective pause

Emphasizes a break or cessation in activity to allow for thought.

a modicum of deliberation

Implies a formal and careful consideration before a decision.

a scintilla of insight

Suggests that reflection can lead to a sudden realization or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "an ounce of reflection" in a sentence?

You can use "an ounce of reflection" to suggest that a small amount of thoughtful consideration can lead to better understanding or decision-making. For example: "Before reacting, take "a moment of consideration" to understand the situation fully."

What can I say instead of "an ounce of reflection"?

You can use alternatives like ""a moment of consideration"", "a bit of contemplation", or "careful thought" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a pound of reflection" instead of "an ounce of reflection"?

No, the common idiom is "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". Using "a pound of reflection" would not convey the intended meaning and would likely be confusing.

What's the difference between "an ounce of reflection" and "thinking carefully"?

"An ounce of reflection" implies that even a small amount of deliberate thought can be valuable. "Thinking carefully" is a more general term that emphasizes the depth and thoroughness of the thought process but doesn't necessarily highlight the potential impact of even a small amount of reflection.