cause us to reflect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cause us to reflect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that prompts thought or contemplation, often in a philosophical or introspective context. Example: "The recent events in our community have caused us to reflect on our values and priorities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The increased popularity of these programs, coupled with real-world questions about their practical usability in clinical care, cost, sustainability, and effectiveness, cause us to reflect on how such programs should be translated for general use and integrated into care for patients with diabetes.

Diabetes Care

Britain's current crisis should cause us to reflect on the fact that a smaller government can actually increase communal fear and diminish our quality of life.

The New York Times

They can't, and shouldn't, necessarily bear tangible fruit — they can't elect a candidate or pass a bill — but they should cause us to reflect on our moment.

The New York Times - Arts

All birthdays with zeroes after them tend to stop us in our tracks and cause us to reflect.

HuffPost

Preparing for or anticipating holiday gatherings, for example, can cause us to reflect on the invitations offered and who might be present at the family dinner table.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This horse causes us to reflect upon all the other horses, man-made and real, which circulate about central London.

Independent

It has caused us to reflect on our journey over the last 20 years, on the progress we have made, and on the opportunities utilised and lost".

Independent

The end of 2014 brought us many dramatic challenges, causing us to reflect more deeply on who we are as a nation, and the extent to which we are connected by our humanity.

The Guardian - Opinion

Its wildness causes us to reflect upon the fact that it does not look especially wild, that Stubbs himself, being inclined towards the soberly anatomical, has not invested it with emotion of the kind that we might see had this been painted by, say, Géricault in the following century.

Independent

I find that most people are at first stumped, even a little shocked by the question as it causes us to reflect deeply on what really matters to us and what we want to share with the world.

Forbes

It is no wonder that being in this position causes us to reflect on the status of our journey and seriously consider whether the path we're walking is the right one for us!

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cause us to reflect" to introduce a moment of thoughtful consideration following an event or realization. It sets a tone of introspection.

Common error

Avoid using "cause us to reflect" in everyday conversation. It is more suited to formal writing and philosophical discussions. Simpler phrases like "make us think" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cause us to reflect" functions as a causative expression. It indicates that something or someone brings about a state of reflection in a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cause us to reflect" is a grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something prompts a group to contemplate or consider an issue thoughtfully. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing mainly in news and media and scientific contexts. Alternative phrases such as "make us think" or "prompt us to consider" offer similar meanings but might vary in formality. When using "cause us to reflect", it is best to use it in writing or in philosophical discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make us think

Focuses on initiating thought, a simpler way to express causing reflection.

prompt us to consider

Highlights the act of considering something carefully, similar to reflecting.

lead us to contemplate

Emphasizes a deeper level of thought and meditation.

encourage introspection

Directs attention inward, focusing on self-examination and personal reflection.

inspire contemplation

Suggests a more profound and meaningful reflection.

motivate self-assessment

Highlights the driving force behind evaluating oneself, differing slightly in focus.

stimulate critical thinking

Focuses on analytical thought rather than simple reflection.

give rise to contemplation

Points to the origination of contemplation, a more formal tone.

provoke consideration

Highlights the action of provoking thought, a more intense way to express reflection.

make us ponder

Emphasizes a state of wondering and thinking deeply about something.

FAQs

How can I use "cause us to reflect" in a sentence?

Use "cause us to reflect" to introduce a thoughtful consideration or introspection. For example, "The documentary "caused us to reflect" on the impact of our choices."

What can I say instead of "cause us to reflect"?

You can use alternatives like "make us think", "prompt us to consider", or "lead us to contemplate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "cause us to reflect" or "causes us to reflect"?

"Cause us to reflect" is correct when referring to a general or hypothetical situation, while "causes us to reflect" is correct when referring to a specific instance. For example, "The movie should "cause us to reflect", or "The movie "causes us to reflect" every time I see it."

What's the difference between "cause us to reflect" and "make us reflect"?

"Cause us to reflect" implies a more formal and profound instigation of thought, while "make us reflect" is a more straightforward and commonly used expression. Both phrases indicate prompting consideration, but the former suggests a deeper, more deliberate level of reflection.